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Earl Spencer Says He Won’t Intervene in Prince William and Prince Harry’s Rift

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Charles Spencer is making it clear that he will not take sides in the ongoing dispute between Prince William and Prince Harry. With Harry back in the U.K., the rift between the royal brothers has entered another phase, but Princess Diana’s younger brother says he has no interest in becoming a family mediator. “I’m just an uncle … I would never presume to be involved with that,” the Earl Spencer said during a September 23, 2026, appearance on ITV’s “Lorraine”. He also pushed back against the idea that he supports Harry over William, explaining that his loyalty belongs equally to both of Diana’s sons. “I’m on my deceased sister’s sons’ side, both of them,” he said in an earlier interview with the BBC.

Speculation about Spencer’s sympathies appears to come from his visible connection with Harry in recent years, despite the Duke of Sussex living in the United States since 2020. Harry has visited Althorp, the Spencer family estate, on multiple occasions, including in August 2024 while returning to Britain for a family memorial service. The Sussexes also stayed at the property during their July 2026 U.K. trip, when Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet reunited with their grandfather, King Charles III.

Spencer insists, however, that he would be there for either nephew if needed. “If either of them wanted anything, then I’d be equally there for them,” he told the BBC. He maintains that this has always been his approach, adding that he avoids aligning himself with either side of the family conflict and instead tries to remain “a benign figure.” Even so, reports suggest that one of the brothers may not view the relationship in quite the same way.

Prince William is reportedly angry about Charles Spencer’s memoir

Any doubts about the strength of Spencer’s relationship with Prince William were intensified by the release of his memoir, “Swan Song: Diana, my sister,” in September 2026. On the “Daily Expresso” podcast, presenter Mark Dolan claimed that royal sources say William is “absolutely furious” about the book. According to those reports, the future king’s anger centers on Spencer’s portrayal of King Charles III. “He doesn’t have a good relationship with his uncle Charles, and he’s firmly on his father’s side. He’s disgusted by what’s in this book,” Dolan said.

Among the memoir’s most contentious passages is Spencer’s account of Charles’ alleged response following Diana’s death. Citing People, Spencer recalled Charles saying, “‘Rest assured,’ he hissed, ‘we’ll forget her soon enough!’” Reports claim William was disturbed that the memoir would revisit the episode while his father is dealing with health concerns. “He’s been told to keep his life as stress-free as possible to help in his cancer fight,” an unnamed source told Closer Weekly, adding that the situation was “affecting him terribly.” William has not publicly addressed the book, while both royal brothers have avoided directly answering questions about its contents.

Spencer says he gave William and Harry advance notice about the memoir and informed them at the same time. “I told them exactly the same time. And I can say that Harry is completely fine about it,” he told People. Dolan suggested that Harry’s continued silence could be interpreted differently from William’s, noting that Harry has historically been more willing to speak publicly while William typically follows the royal family’s “Never complain, never explain” tradition. “You can only interpret, therefore, that he supports the content of the book,” Dolan said.

American Idol Singer Sweats as Songs for Mistress Are Played

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Caleb Flynn appeared visibly uncomfortable as courtroom spectators struggled to suppress their laughter while songs he allegedly wrote for his mistress were played during his murder trial.

The 40-year-old former American Idol singer is accused of killing his wife, 37-year-old Ashley Flynn, inside their home in Tipp City, Ohio, on February 16.

Prosecutors allege Flynn shot Ashley after carrying on a “years-long” affair with 24-year-old Alleigha Botner. They further claim he attempted to make the killing appear to have been committed during a burglary.

Flynn has pleaded not guilty. He maintains that an intruder entered the house and killed Ashley while he slept in a nearby room with the couple’s two pre-teen daughters.

On Thursday, members of Ashley’s family appeared to hold back laughter as prosecutors played AI-produced versions of songs based on lyrics Flynn allegedly wrote during his relationship with Botner.

Botner had previously testified that Flynn wrote the lyrics about their affair.

As the music echoed through the courtroom, Flynn’s ears reddened. He also appeared to wipe sweat from his brow.

One lyric read: “So here’s to the third, and the us that we lost,” an apparent reference to the anniversary of the day Flynn and Botner began speaking.

Caleb Flynn's ears turned bright red, and he appeared to wipe drops from his profusely sweating brow as the music filled the courtroom

Caleb Flynn’s ears reddened as he appeared to wipe sweat from his brow while the music played in court

Furious members of Ashley's family stifled their laughs as Flynn's songs were played for the court

Members of Ashley Flynn’s family appeared to stifle laughter as the songs were played for jurors

Another line stated: “If somewhere you feel this, if somewhere you’re whole, know that you still own every piece of my soul.”

Botner, who has been testifying about her relationship with Flynn over two days of the trial, described their alleged affair in detail.

She said she was 20 when she met Flynn at the Christian Life Center in Dayton, Ohio, in 2022. At the time, she was working as an intern and Flynn was 36 or 37.

According to Botner, their relationship became romantic after she ended another relationship in early 2024 and Flynn began showing an interest in her.

Botner also admitted that she and Flynn used abusive language when discussing Ashley, referring to her as “spawn of Satan, b****, and douchebag.”

She testified that Flynn told her he hated his wife. Botner said she responded by giving him ultimatums and deadlines to leave Ashley.

Botner broke down while acknowledging that she and Flynn had exchanged messages expressing a desire for Ashley to die.

In one message sent to Flynn on July 10, 2025, Botner wrote: “Do you know how badly I want to say, ‘F it,’ to any rules and any barriers and just love you with my entire heart for the rest of my life?”

Prosecutors claim Flynn shot and killed his wife after having a 'years-long' affair with 24-year-old Alleigha Botner, then staged the scene to look like a break-in

Prosecutors allege Flynn killed his wife after an affair with 24-year-old Alleigha Botner and then staged the home to resemble a break-in

Flynn has pleaded not guilty to the charges and insists that a home intruder killed his wife while he slept in a room just feet away with the pair's two pre-teen daughters

Flynn denies the charges and says an intruder killed Ashley while he slept nearby with their two pre-teen daughters

The mistress started to cry and told the court: ‘I just wish I didn’t say this. I didn’t mean it.’

She then continued to read the text message that said: ‘I want to kill her, Caleb. It’s so bad.’

Flynn replied, ‘That makes two of us.’

The pair communicated until midnight on the night of the alleged murder, and she testified that she sent him several screenshots of her research on divorce proceedings that included information about custody issues, deleting messages, and how Flynn’s wife could prove he cheated. 

The last thing Flynn told her was: ‘Good night, tomorrow’s a big day. I’ve got to get to bed. I choose you, I’m about to be free.’ 

Botner told the jury that prior to seeing Flynn in the courtroom on Wednesday, the last time she saw him was at Ashley’s parents’ house on February 16, hours after she was killed.

‘The first thing he said to me was, “It didn’t happen the way we thought it would, did it?”‘ Botner testified.

The court concluded for the day after his songs were played for the jury. His trial is set to resume on Friday at 9am ET.

Is Dove Cameron  Married? Who Is Her Husband Måneskin frontman Damiano David?

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Yes. As of September 24, 2026, Dove Cameron is married to Damiano David, the Italian singer best known as the frontman of Måneskin. The couple exchanged vows in a civil ceremony in Montalcino, Tuscany, after more than two years together and several months as an engaged couple.

The wedding followed a relationship that moved from early speculation in 2023 to a confirmed engagement in January 2026. Cameron and David had also spoken publicly about planning their wedding and building a life between the United States and Italy.

Who is Dove Cameron married to?

Dove Cameron’s husband is Damiano David, an Italian singer and songwriter from Rome. He became internationally known as the lead vocalist of Måneskin, the rock band that won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021 with “Zitti e Buoni.” The group later reached a global audience with songs including “Beggin’,” “I Wanna Be Your Slave” and “Supermodel.”

David began developing a solo career while remaining closely associated with Måneskin. His first solo album, Funny Little Fears, was released in 2025 and presented a more personal, pop-oriented side of his songwriting.

Cameron is an American actress and singer who became widely recognized through Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie and the Descendants franchise. She later pursued a solo music career, releasing songs and projects aimed at an adult pop audience.

When did Dove Cameron and Damiano David get married?

Dove Cameron and Damiano David were married on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Their civil ceremony took place in the town hall of Montalcino, a Tuscan hill town in the Val d’Orcia region of Italy.

The ceremony was private, with close friends and family in attendance. After the civil service, the couple continued celebrations at a nearby luxury resort. Their arrival in Montalcino drew public attention, with fans gathering to see the newlyweds.

Both Cameron and David wore light-colored wedding looks for the civil ceremony. Cameron appeared in a white bridal suit with a cape-like detail, while David wore a cream double-breasted suit. Their wedding style reflected the couple’s preference for fashion-forward, understated clothing rather than a traditional formal gown and tuxedo.

Were Dove Cameron and Damiano David engaged before the wedding?

Yes. Cameron and David became engaged in late 2025, although they waited until January 2026 to confirm the news publicly. Cameron shared a photograph that showed her engagement ring and described the moment as a major personal milestone.

The couple had already sparked engagement speculation after Cameron was seen wearing a prominent ring. Rather than immediately respond to the speculation, they kept the proposal private and announced the engagement on their own terms.

In a television interview earlier in 2026, Cameron discussed the proposal and offered a glimpse into the couple’s relationship. She described David as her fiancé and spoke warmly about their plans, making clear that marriage was not merely an online rumor.

When did Dove Cameron and Damiano David start dating?

The pair were first linked in 2023 after being seen together in public. Their relationship became more visible over time, with Cameron and David appearing together at events and supporting each other’s music and acting work.

They made several public appearances during 2024 and 2025, including fashion events and industry gatherings. David also referred to Cameron as his partner in interviews connected with his solo music, while Cameron’s own public comments and music increasingly reflected the relationship.

The couple’s romance also appeared in their creative work. David wrote about Cameron in connection with songs from his solo album, and she contributed vocals to one of his tracks. Cameron later released music that listeners associated with her relationship and new life with the Italian singer.

How did Dove Cameron and Damiano David meet?

Cameron and David reportedly first crossed paths at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, where both were connected to the Best New Artist category. Their relationship did not become public until the following year.

Cameron later described their first meeting as unusually memorable, suggesting that the circumstances sounded almost like a fictional story. The pair did not immediately present themselves as a public couple, which helped keep the early stages of their relationship relatively private.

By the time they began appearing together more regularly, both had already established major careers. Cameron was known for her work in film, television and pop music, while David was one of the most recognizable young rock singers in Europe.

Where did Dove Cameron and Damiano David’s wedding take place?

The wedding took place in Montalcino, Italy, in the Tuscan countryside. The town is known for its historic architecture, vineyards and location in the Val d’Orcia, one of central Italy’s most recognizable landscapes.

The civil ceremony was held at the Palazzo dei Priori, the historic municipal building. The couple reportedly chose a low-key ceremony with tight security and a limited guest list before moving to a private reception location.

The setting also reflected David’s Italian background. Although the couple have spent substantial time in Los Angeles, they have discussed the importance of dividing their lives between America and Italy rather than treating one country as the only place they call home.

What has the couple said about their relationship?

Cameron and David have generally shared selected details rather than documenting every aspect of their private life. In interviews before the wedding, they spoke about ordinary routines, travel and the practical challenges of maintaining a relationship while working internationally.

Their comments have emphasized the difference between their public image and their day-to-day life. Both have described making an effort to keep their relationship grounded, even as their careers involve international travel, performances, premieres and constant public attention.

David has also credited Cameron with supporting his solo career. Cameron has appeared in connection with his music and has discussed how the relationship influenced her own creative perspective. Their professional lives overlap, but each has continued to pursue separate projects.

Is Damiano David still in Måneskin?

Damiano David is best known as Måneskin’s frontman, but he has also established himself as a solo artist. His solo work began with Funny Little Fears, which allowed him to explore a sound distinct from the band’s glam-rock style.

For readers searching for “Dove Cameron’s husband Måneskin frontman,” David’s connection to the band remains central to his public identity. However, his career is no longer limited to the group. He has performed and recorded independently while continuing to be recognized for the role that made him famous.

Cameron’s career has followed a similarly broad path. She first became known as a Disney star before moving into more mature film, television and music projects. Their relationship therefore joins two performers who have both grown beyond the careers that initially made them household names.

What is confirmed about Dove Cameron’s marriage?

The following details are confirmed as of September 24, 2026:

  • Dove Cameron and Damiano David are married.
  • Their civil ceremony took place in Montalcino, Tuscany.
  • The wedding was held on September 24, 2026.
  • The couple became engaged in late 2025 and publicly confirmed the engagement in January 2026.
  • They began dating publicly in 2023.
  • David is the Italian singer associated with Måneskin and a solo recording career.

Some private details, including the complete guest list, the full reception schedule and whether the couple plans a second celebration, have not been fully disclosed. Those details should not be treated as confirmed unless Cameron or David chooses to share them.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is Dove Cameron married?

    Yes. Dove Cameron married Damiano David in a civil ceremony in Montalcino, Italy, on September 24, 2026.

  2. Who is Dove Cameron’s husband?

    Her husband is Damiano David, an Italian singer and songwriter known as the frontman of Måneskin and as a solo artist.

  3. When did Dove Cameron and Damiano David get engaged?

    They became engaged in late 2025 and publicly confirmed the engagement in January 2026.

  4. Where did Dove Cameron and Damiano David get married?

    They married at the municipal building in Montalcino, a town in Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia region.

  5. How long were Dove Cameron and Damiano David together before marrying?

    They were publicly linked in 2023 and married in September 2026, after more than two years together.

  6. Is Damiano David still the singer of Måneskin?

    David remains best known as Måneskin’s frontman, although he has also pursued a solo career and released his debut solo album in 2025.

  7. Did Dove Cameron and Damiano David have a private wedding?

    Yes. Reports describe a closely guarded civil ceremony attended by family and friends, followed by celebrations at a private resort.

  8. Do Dove Cameron and Damiano David work together?

    They have supported each other’s creative work, and Cameron has contributed vocals to one of David’s songs. Both continue to maintain separate careers.

Dove Cameron is no longer simply engaged to Damiano David: the couple married in Tuscany on September 24, 2026. Her husband is the Italian singer associated with Måneskin and a growing solo career. After keeping much of their relationship private, Cameron and David have now begun a new chapter as husband and wife.

Trump Lawyer Alina Habba, 42, Set to Wed Turkish Billionaire, 29

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AOC Tests 2028 Presidential Waters With Upstate New York Tour

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is testing the political waters ahead of 2028 with an upstate New York voter-outreach tour in areas friendly to the Democratic Socialists of America, The Post has learned.

The progressive Democrat is launching the tour in Buffalo, where she plans to rally potential supporters ahead of the midterm elections. The trip comes as speculation continues over a possible White House bid in two years. According to Gothamist, Ocasio-Cortez will also join Gov. Kathy Hochul in an effort to build upstate support.

Ocasio-Cortez’s team said the itinerary includes stops in Syracuse and Ithaca, home of Cornell University. Several members of the Democratic Socialists of America serve on Ithaca’s city council, while Tompkins County was one of only two counties in New York to back Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary.

Both Buffalo and Syracuse elected DSA members to local offices and state Assembly seats in June elections.

“I think she brings a lot of energy to the process, engages young people in particular,” Hochul said in an interview with WNYC. “I’ve encouraged this. I have asked her and others to go statewide to create the momentum we need, the energy around this next election. So I think she’ll be very well-received.”

Along with a series of speaking engagements, Ocasio-Cortez’s upstate tour will feature an “inactive voter training” session Thursday night. Her team also said she plans to contribute $300,000 to the state Democratic Party.

Earlier this week, Ocasio-Cortez described 2028 as a make-or-break election year. She told The New York Times that if she loses a bid for her House seat, the Senate or the presidency, she will leave politics.

Despite the growing speculation, Ocasio-Cortez has not announced a campaign for either the Senate or the White House.

Still, New York Republican leaders are signaling that they do not want her political operation taking hold upstate.

“We warned you about NYC socialism spreading upstate,” Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra [R-Nassau] wrote on X. “Turns out it’s Kathy Hochul driving the bus.”

Erie County Republican Chairman Michael Kracker also cautioned that Ocasio-Cortez’s effort could push the Democratic Party further to the left.

“Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is coming to Erie County to establish herself as the true leader of the New York Democratic Party, and local Democrats are falling in line, embracing her extreme socialist agenda without question,” Kracker said. “They don’t have to go along with it.”

Joe “Baby Joe” Mesi, a former Golden Gloves boxing champion and lifelong Democrat, also criticized the congresswoman’s visit.

“The party I know fights for working people, not for radical politics that hurt them,” Mesi said. “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez doesn’t speak for me, and she doesn’t speak for the Buffalo I grew up in.”

Brian Stelter Praises Fox News Boycott in Support of MS NOW

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CNN media reporter Brian Stelter offered an uncommon note of praise Thursday for his network’s longtime rival, Fox News.

Stelter credited the conservative cable channel with standing alongside CNN, MS NOW and Politico during the past several days as the Trump administration barred the outlets from the White House.

He made the comments on air with Dana Bash after all three organizations reported that they had regained access to the White House earlier Thursday afternoon.

A federal judge ordered the White House to restore the outlets’ access Thursday morning.

Bash initially pointed out that Fox, NBC, ABC and CBS had each declined to participate in the president’s press pool coverage since Monday.

“It is so important to underscore the solidarity that the other networks—and even beyond the television networks—other news organizations have shown with CNN and Politico and MS NOW because everybody understands the stakes,” Bash said.

She said the dispute extended well beyond rivalries within the news business. “It’s about the free press writ large,” Bash added.

Stelter then singled out Fox News, the most right-leaning of the major networks, for its support.

CNN reporter Brian Stelter offered some rare praise to his network's longtime rival Fox News on Thursday, for standing behind CNN, MS NOW, and Politico during Donald Trump's press ban

CNN reporter Brian Stelter gave rare credit to longtime rival Fox News for supporting CNN, MS NOW and Politico during Donald Trump’s White House press ban

A federal judge ordered the White House to reinstate the outlets Thursday morning. By noon, all three outlets were allowed back into the building - leaving Stelter and Dana Bash to react live on Inside Politics

A federal judge ordered the White House to restore the outlets’ access Thursday morning. By noon, all three were permitted back inside, prompting Stelter and Dana Bash to discuss the development live on Inside Politics

He emphasized that the confrontation had crossed traditional party lines.

“Fox News has been a real ally of CNN and the other major networks this week. And frankly, Dana, I think that’s partly because Fox… it’s thinking about the past and [Barack] Obama.”

During his first term, Obama attempted in 2009 to exclude Major Garrett, then one of the cable network’s prominent journalists, from a multipool interview. The effort failed after ABC, CBS, CNN and NBC protested.

A joint statement issued by those same outlets this time declared: “No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.”

Stelter told Bash that Fox was likely also considering “what happens when a Democrat is back in the Oval Office, and whether some Democrat would pull a stunt like this.”

“And then again more broadly, what are we going through in America?” Stelter continued. He described the nearly weeklong exclusion as one of several recent “examples of democratic backsliding.”

“Yes, this is a democracy, but there are times it’s been a healthier democracy.

“Backsliding is real, and scholars who study autocratic behavior say they see it happening every day, coming out 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.”

Both praised the conservative cable news network for showing solidarity against a Republican president

Both journalists praised the conservative network for joining a show of solidarity against a Republican president

Fox News chief White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich also criticized Trump’s decision in her role as president of the White House Correspondents’ Association on Saturday.

Reporters had just been turned away from the White House, confirming their credentials had been revoked. Trump announced the ban in a Truth Social post the day before.

‘Today’s action revoking access for journalists from CNN, POLITICO, and MSNOW violates the First Amendment. 

‘The implications extend beyond these organizations: a standard used to exclude one news outlet because of its coverage could be applied to any outlet in the future,’ Heinrich wrote, calling on the administration ‘to immediately restore’ their access.

Bash, on Thursday, also personally thanked Fox DC Bureau Chief Bryan Boughton, who chairs the television pool that effectively boycotted the ban and sent the email announcing it would stop such coverage.

‘I personally say thank you to him,’ Bash said, framing his actions as ‘a profile in courage and doing what is right.’

How Dakota Johnson Appeared in Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” Video

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Dakota Johnson Jokes That Musicians Are “Tricky Motherf–kers” While Discussing Her Taylor Swift Collaboration

Taylor Swift and Dakota Johnson share a friendship that reaches far beyond the spotlight.

Their longtime connection is also making its way onscreen, with the Fifty Shades of Grey star appearing opposite Colin Farrell in the music video for Swift’s forthcoming single, “Patient Zero.” The video is set to debut during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 27.

“Taylor and I have been friends for a really long time, and we’re very close,” Johnson said during a Sept. 24 interview with Fan Girl Nation, conducted alongside her Verity costar Josh Hartnett. “We decided to work together, and it’s great.”

Although the 36-year-old actress admitted she would generally advise against mixing friendship and business, she added, “Normally, I would say don’t work with your friends, but we work really well together.”

After nearly a decade of building a close bond, Johnson and Swift clearly know how to support one another—and raise a glass to genuine friendship. Swift, meanwhile, appreciates that her best friend stays above the gossip and refuses to get caught up in the endless he-said, she-said.

FBI Employees in Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Case Seek Answers on Subpoenas in Florida ‘Grand Conspiracy’ Probe

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WASHINGTON – Former FBI employees who worked on the criminal investigation into President Donald Trump’s retention of classified documents have been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury in a wide-ranging Florida conspiracy inquiry. Their lawyers disclosed the subpoenas Thursday while asking a judge to clarify whether the witnesses can testify without violating an order restricting the disclosure of information.

Issued this month, the subpoenas direct the former FBI employees to appear in Fort Pierce, Florida. The Justice Department is pursuing an ill-defined theory that a “deep state” conspiracy sought to deprive Trump of his civil rights and prevent him from returning to power.

The investigation has largely centered on former government officials who examined connections between Russia and Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. But the subpoenas disclosed Thursday indicate that the inquiry also reaches the FBI’s 2022 search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida for classified documents.

Justice Department officials are continuing the probe despite the resignation this month of Joseph diGenova, a Trump ally brought in to help lead an investigation that has energized right-wing commentators who have long alleged that former law enforcement and intelligence officials conspired against the Republican president.

The filing creates a new legal issue for U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, the Trump-appointed judge who dismissed the classified documents case against Trump. Cannon also presides over the Fort Pierce courthouse where the Justice Department has based its yearlong conspiracy investigation into Trump’s perceived opponents.

In February, Cannon issued an order blocking the release of a report on the classified documents investigation prepared by special counsel Jack Smith. Smith’s team filed dozens of felony charges against Trump, then the Republican presidential candidate, in 2023. Cannon’s order also barred the disclosure of information about the case to people outside the Justice Department.

The lawyers for the subpoenaed former employees are now asking Cannon to determine whether her order prevents their clients from testifying before the grand jury about the investigation. Without guidance, they said, the witnesses could face a choice between violating the order by testifying, giving “not providing full, unconstrained testimony” while attempting to comply, or invoking their constitutional protections against self-incrimination.

“Specifically, Clients seek to confirm that they can freely discuss non-public information related to their work on the investigation with individuals outside the DOJ, including but not limited to the grand jury and Client’s own counsel, without running afoul of the terms of the order,” the lawyers wrote.

The court filing provides new details about the scope of the inquiry and the witnesses’ negotiations with the government.

Filed on behalf of current and former agents and analysts who took part in the Mar-a-Lago investigation, the document says the FBI contacted the group in July and August seeking voluntary interviews. Attorneys were told that grand jury testimony would follow those interviews.

The lawyers said newly issued subpoenas call for a small group of witnesses to testify next week and the week after. The Justice Department has discussed the possibility of granting the witnesses immunity, but it has not made a formal offer.

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

Hayden Panettiere Overdose Shows Fentanyl Crisis Hits All

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Hayden Panettiere’s fatal overdose underscores a sobering reality: despite meaningful progress in reducing overdose deaths since their 2022 peak, the fentanyl crisis remains a serious and widespread threat in the United States.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office determined this week that Panettiere died from the toxic effects of five substances identified in her system: fentanyl, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, methocarbamol and quetiapine.

Dr. Anna Lembke, a Stanford psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist, told News Media that the exact circumstances of the actress’s death are still unknown. However, she said the combination of substances likely heightened the danger of a fatal overdose.

“We don’t know if she sought out fentanyl. We don’t know if she had a counterfeit pill that had fentanyl in it. She might have been prescribed fentanyl for pain,” Lembke said. “She was also on a benzo. We know combining benzos and opioids increases the risk of overdose of each of those medications separately. It looks like she was also on quetiapine, a mood stabilizer, but also highly sedating in the mix.”

Hayden Panettiere discusses "Nashville"

Hayden Panettiere discusses “Nashville” with the Build Series at AOL HQ on Jan. 5, 2017, in New York City. (Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic)

Lembke added that the source of the drugs remains unclear, but the combination appears to have created a lethal case of polypharmacy, with fentanyl posing an especially grave danger on its own.

The Cleveland Clinic defines polypharmacy as the regular use of multiple medications, generally four or more.

Although Lembke warned against making definitive claims about the events preceding Panettiere’s death, she said the case illustrates how fentanyl’s risks extend across age, wealth and social status.

“This is still a very serious risk, and it’s a risk that doesn’t discriminate. Old and young, rich and poor, famous, not famous. Because of the increased access to these highly potent and potentially lethal drugs in the modern age, we’re really all at risk for this problem,” Lembke said.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times more powerful than heroin, and its presence has reshaped the illicit drug supply across the country over the past decade.

Pills containing fentanyl

Pills containing fentanyl are displayed at the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Northeast Regional Laboratory for testing in New York, on May 7, 2026. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Deaths involving synthetic opioids—most commonly illicitly manufactured fentanyl—rose sharply beginning in 2014 and reached a record 73,838 in 2022, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Fentanyl’s extraordinary potency is not the only factor driving its lethality, Lembke said. The drug is also frequently found in tiny amounts in counterfeit pills made to resemble legitimate prescription medications.

For young people who do not consider themselves at risk for addiction, Lembke identified another danger: receiving a pill at a party that appears to be Xanax or OxyContin but is actually counterfeit and contains fentanyl.

“A single dose to an opioid-naive person could kill, which is why it’s so important that we have data-informed discussions with young people in particular,” she said.

The casual experimentation that some parents may remember from their own youth is no longer comparable, Lembke said. “The kind of experimentation with drugs in their youth that their parents might’ve engaged in relatively risk-free… it’s not risk-free anymore” for young adults.

Anna Lembke gives a lecture in Germany

Anna Lembke, a Stanford psychiatrist and author, gives a lecture on May 19, 2026, in Berlin, Germany. (Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)

Lembke urged parents to begin frank conversations about drugs before children encounter misinformation or misleading claims on social media.

When a parent or guardian suspects a child may have a substance-use disorder, Lembke said it is important not to dismiss the behavior as ordinary teenage experimentation.

“These drugs are far too accessible and far too lethal to just leave it to hoping that it will be a passing phase the kid will outgrow,” she said. “We know that the earlier we intervene with addiction-related problems, the more likely we are to reroute that person on a new path of life.”

Lembke also offered a message to doctors, who she said should prescribe potentially addictive medications cautiously and closely monitor patients for signs of misuse.

As a practicing psychiatrist, Lembke routinely prescribes stimulants for ADHD, opioids for pain and benzodiazepines for insomnia and anxiety. But she said physicians have a responsibility to prescribe them in the lowest effective amounts for the shortest possible duration.

Inside Elizabeth Holmes’ Prison Life—and How She Won Early Release

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