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Sheriff Nancy Guthrie Responds to FBI Exclusion Allegations in Ongoing Investigation

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Sheriff Nancy Guthrie Responds to FBI Exclusion Allegations in Ongoing Investigation

In the midst of a heated investigation, Arizona Sheriff Chris Nanos has expressed strong disapproval of the FBI’s involvement critiques, following accusations from FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the agency being sidelined. Patel asserted that the police hindered the FBI’s entry into the initial investigative process concerning the Nancy Guthrie case.

Sheriff Nanos defended his department on Tuesday during an appearance on “The Sharpe Exchange,” confronting the claims made by Patel. He emphasized that the criticisms were unfounded and labeled the director as “misinformed” about the sequence of events.

Previously, in May, Patel had alleged that the FBI was excluded from participating in the investigation’s first four days—an assertion that Nanos strongly disputed.

“The FBI was present right from day one, alongside my deputies,” Nanos stated emphatically while speaking with Gen-Z commentator Wyatt Sharpe, targeting the FBI director’s claims.

Nanos further clarified, “It seems he’s not fully informed. Once our search and rescue team identified the situation, they immediately reached out to our detectives to begin the investigative process,” reinforcing the coordinated efforts of his officers.

“They immediately contacted the Violent Crime Task Force and their representatives were there,” he continued.

“They processed that scene early the next day. The concept or the representation that the FBI was held off and boy, we wish we’d have been there early on, that’s not just even accurate. They were there [on] day one just as my team was.”

Nanos — who has come under fire for his handling of the high-profile case — went on to speculate that Patel may have been given outdated or filtered information about the case.

“He certainly doesn’t owe me an explanation or a question or anything. He’s the director of the FBI,” he said.  “But when the information is put out there that’s not accurate, I think it hurts the case.” 

Patel had berated local law enforcement over the processing of evidence discovered early in the case. 

“What we, the FBI, do is say, ‘Hey, we’re here to help. What do you need?” Patel told Fox News star Sean Hannity on the “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast.

“What can we do? And for four days, we were kept out of the investigation.”

For instance, evidence was sent to a private lab in Florida rather than the FBI’s facility in Quantico, Virginia– a move Patel believes cost investigators time.

“I had a fixed-wing aircraft on the ground ready to move it immediately through the night,” he said.

“And they said, ‘we’re sending it to Florida,’ and then, I don’t know, 60 days. They have jurisdiction, so it’s their call.

“We would have analyzed it within days and maybe gotten better information or more information. Our lab’s just better than any other private lab out there, and we didn’t get a chance to do that.

“The first 48 hours of anyone’s disappearance are the most critical.”

At the time, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department insisted to The Post that Nanos began working with the FBI “without delay.”

It has been almost six months since Guthrie, 84, vanished, but Nanos revealed the case isn’t cold.

“We have a lot of evidence that our scientific labs are working,” he said.

“There’s video evidence that we continue to work with, not just labs, but also some private corporations who have graciously given their time to help look at some of the video evidence and see if we can’t piece things together.

“And of course, there are literally thousands of tips that come in.”

Nanos also vowed to support Guthrie’s family and said if they believe the matriarch is still alive, he would also hold the same view.

But he revealed he would “absolutely” reveal if investigators stumbled upon a burial site.

“That’s critical [to the investigation],” he said.

Tom Selleck Criticizes ‘Blue Bloods’ Cancellation Despite Cast’s Significant Pay Cuts

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Tom Selleck Criticizes ‘Blue Bloods’ Cancellation Despite Cast’s Significant Pay Cuts

Tom Selleck has once again voiced his exasperation over the conclusion of Blue Bloods and is shedding light on the cast’s collective pay cuts aimed at extending the show’s run.

“For all of us involved, Blue Bloods was a heartfelt endeavor,” recounted the 81-year-old Selleck during a recent chat on Ted Danson’s podcast, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.” The CBS police procedural, beloved by many, wrapped up in 2024 after captivating audiences for 14 seasons.

Selleck was candid about the “frustrating” finale season of the program.

“To be real about it, at the last of our family dinners during the final year of the show, there was a unanimous wish to continue,” Selleck explained. “We had already accepted a 25 percent salary reduction and made significant efforts to keep things afloat.”

Where Did Every 'Blue Bloods' Character End Up Before 'Boston Blue' Spinoff?

Meanwhile, CBS is stirring excitement with its upcoming series, Boston Blue, promising fans a reunion with Donnie Wahlberg’s character, Danny, along with a few other Reagan family members. This fresh chapter raises a question: what paths did the loved characters of Blue Bloods take when the curtain fell on their story? Since its debut in 2010, the show has richly detailed the lives of the Reagan family, captivating a loyal audience all the way through its impressive run.

Blue Bloods found a strong fan base when it premiered in 2010. After a 14-season run, viewers were not ready to say goodbye to New York Police Commissioner Frank Reagan (Selleck) and his children: Danny (Donnie Wahlberg), Erin (Bridget Moynahan) and Jamie (Will Estes).

CBS, however, had different plans when speculation grew that Blue Bloods could end despite the cast and producers agreeing to take a 25 percent pay cut. The final season, which was separated into two parts, aired in late 2024.

“It was very frustrating because out of the top 100 shows on broadcast television, Blue Bloods was No. 6 in our 15th year,” Selleck added. “Nobody wanted to leave. Everybody was gonna stay on. That’s hard to get.”

He continued: “It may be some kind of record to have the same cast intact for that length of time. Usually if it wasn’t a family, it would be different, but, you know, you couldn’t very well replace Jamie or Danny or anybody with another actor.”

Selleck was also proud of how close the cast had gotten, adding, “Maybe people don’t realize, but a lot of shows become miserable to work on. You get a lot of egos and ‘I’m not coming out of my dressing room until he’s coming out’ … and it’s miserable. Blue Bloods was never that.”

Blue Bloods Family Guide Tom Selleck Bridget Moynahan Donnie Wahlberg

Blue Bloods got viewers invested in the Reagan family — but how are the characters related to each other? The CBS series, which premiered in 2010, followed the lives of the Reagan family, many of whom worked for the NYPD under the leadership of NYC police commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck). Frank’s father, Henry Reagan […]

The actor isn’t the only one to speak out about the lengths the cast went through. Wahlberg, 56, got honest earlier this year about how expensive it was to make Blue Bloods.

“With Blue Bloods, they came to us before the final year and said, ‘You need to take a 25 percent pay cut or we’re going off the air.’ And some people were like, ‘Nope.’ Other people were like, ‘OK,’” he shared in an April episode of the “George Janko Show” podcast.

Wahlberg, who now stars in the Boston Blue spinoff, tried to negotiate. “I was like, ‘Why not just say [a] 15 [percent pay cut] in exchange for four more seasons?’” he recalled. “Because they were like, ‘This is the last year, so 25 percent pay cut.’ I just was like, ‘Let’s keep it going. I’d rather have 75 percent of something than zero percent of zero.’”

Prince Harry Shares the TV Show His Children Can’t Get Enough Of

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Prince Harry Shares the TV Show His Children Can’t Get Enough Of

In a delightful revelation, Prince Harry shared that his children are quite enchanted by the British television show, Junior Bake Off.

Prince Harry is revealing some of his children's favourite things

Prince Harry opens up about his children’s favorite interests.

During a rare television appearance, the 41-year-old Duke of Sussex spoke candidly about life with his family, including his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. He proudly discussed their two children, seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet, offering a glimpse into their shared family moments.

Speaking to Alison Hammond on ITV’s This Morning, Harry said: “By the way, my kids love Junior Bake Off.”

The Great British Bake Off co-host was left stunned and replied: “Stop it! Do they?”

Victorian Labor Unravels: How Corruption and Debt Sparked a Political Crisis

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Victorian Labor Unravels: How Corruption and Debt Sparked a Political Crisis

Victoria’snewly appointed premier, Ben Carroll, is facing a critical challenge to regain public support for the Labor Party just four months before the state election scheduled for November 28.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Carroll stated, “I will do things differently, because different times require a new approach.”

Carroll succeeds Jacinta Allan, who was once the youngest female parliamentarian, having first been elected at 25. Allan assumed the premiership in 2023 following Daniel Andrews’ resignation.

However, Allan’s tenure as premier witnessed a significant drop in her net approval ratings in recent months. This decline came amid escalating criticism related to Labor’s infrastructure expenditures and the party’s handling of alleged corruption within the construction sector.

A Resolve opinion poll highlights the prevailing challenges, showing that 43 percent of Victorians currently favor Liberal leader Jess Wilson for the role of state premier, compared to just 24 percent supporting Allan.

Another poll, from RedBridge in July, put the once-popular Labor Party’s primary vote at 26 per cent, behind One Nation’s 27 per cent.

So where did it all go wrong for Allan and Victorian Labor?

A delayed royal commission

Ben Carroll’s first act as premier was to announce a royal commission into the construction sector, which had been plagued by years of corruption scandals centred on the $109 billion ‘Big Build’ infrastructure program.

“In my government, integrity will not be optional,” Carroll said in his first speech to the press on Tuesday afternoon.

The commission will focus on the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), first alleged by the Nine Network in 2024 to have worked with crime organisations to profit from Big Build contracts.

According to the government’s website, Big Build has delivered 130 infrastructure projects since 2015 at a cost of around $109 billion, including the controversial Suburban Rail Loop.

In February, an investigation commissioned by the CFMEU estimated Victorian taxpayers had lost $15 billion to organised crime, an untested figure which was disputed by Allan and the state’s attorney-general at the time.

The same month, Victorian Liberals and Nationals pledged support for a royal commission.

Pressure builds on Allan

Allan, who had referred Big Build to the state’s anti-corruption watchdog in 2024, resisted calls for a royal commission despite her approval ratings plummeting amid perceived inaction over Big Build corruption.

One Resolve poll, published by Nine in July, had Allan’s approval rating at -36 per cent.

As pressure mounted, Allan acknowledged and apologised for criminal conduct on Big Build in an op-ed in The Age in early July.

“Some argue the answer is another royal commission. We’ve tried that before,” Allan wrote at the time.

“Australia held a royal commission into trade unions in the last decade. It cost $46 million, went after workers, achieved only one criminal conviction, and didn’t change the culture.”

Carroll, however, took a different tack. Alongside the commission, he announced a strengthening of the investigative powers of the state’s anti-corruption watchdog.

“Let me make one thing very clear. I am not Daniel Andrews. I am not Jacinta Allan,” he said.

A mounting debt crisis

In 2023, then-premier Andrews took the country by surprise when he announced Victoria would no longer be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which was estimated to have ballooned in cost to $7 billion.

“I will not take money out of hospitals and schools to fund an event that is three times the cost that was estimated and budgeted for last year,” he told the press at the time.

The news put the spotlight on the state’s budget, which had been growing exponentially in costs since Labor took over from the Liberals in 2014, and had intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the state’s own budget forecasts, debt is estimated to grow to $199.3 billion by 2030, or 24.4 per cent of Victoria’s total economic production, called the gross state product (GSP).

In 2024-2025, the state debt was $150 billion, which was 23.7 per cent of GSP.

It comes as most Australian states grapple with post-pandemic debt, with NSW debt expected to hit almost $237 billion by 2030.

The Rail Loop defining Allan’s reign

The Suburban Rail Loop became a catch-all for criticisms of Labor’s economic management, with the state Opposition pressuring Labor to cancel the project estimated to cost the state government around $125bn.

The 90km loop through Melbourne’s outer suburbs was promised by Andrews in his 2018 election campaign.

The state government has signed $13 billion worth of construction contracts on the project, according to The Guardian.

Ben Carroll looks concerned at the camera, dressed in a snazzy suit with his grey hair slicked back

In January, The Australian reported that some of those contracts included funds of up to $196,000 for “indoor plant hire and maintenance” for the Suburban Rail Loop office.

In May, state Opposition leader Jess Wilson promised to pause and review the train line if voted into power.

Carroll, meanwhile, said he understood the public’s budget concerns without committing to pausing or cancelling the Rail Loop.

“My first job was at Kmart down the road from where I lived,” he told the press on Tuesday.

“It taught me from a young age the value of a dollar.”

Carroll promised that every dollar spent by the government would be “treated carefully, responsibly, and only where it delivers the greatest value to Victoria and Victorians”.

When pushed in Question Time on Tuesday, Carroll said he would address the matter through a cabinet process.

Victoria’s next state election will be held on 28 November.

Volkswagen Announces Critical Recall for Key SUV Component

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Volkswagen Announces Critical Recall for Key SUV Component

Volkswagen is urgently recalling over 57,800 SUVs due to a defect that may cause the rearview camera image to fail, thereby heightening the likelihood of an accident.

This recall specifically targets selected 2024-2026 models of both the Volkswagen Atlas and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, as detailed in documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The issue arises from what Volkswagen refers to as a ‘low-voltage electrical event,’ which can disrupt the vehicle’s display screen, preventing the rearview camera’s image from showing when the car is in reverse gear.

Given that backup cameras are a federally mandated safety feature for all new vehicles sold in the United States, this glitch could significantly impair a driver’s ability to see behind the SUV.

In its recall notice, Volkswagen cautioned: ‘A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.’

A total of 57,851 vehicles are included in the recall. 

The affected vehicles comprise 38,646 Volkswagen Atlas SUVs and 19,205 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SUVs from the 2024 through 2026 model years.

Despite the defect, Volkswagen said it is not aware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities linked to the issue as of July 22. 

The recall affects certain 2024-2026 Volkswagen Atlas and 2024-2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport models

The recall affects certain 2024-2026 Volkswagen Atlas and 2024-2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport models

However, the company said it had received 571 claims that may relate to the defect, prompting the voluntary safety recall.

Volkswagen dealers will update the rearview camera software free of charge, which the company says will resolve the issue. Notification letters are expected to be mailed to affected owners beginning September 18, 2026.

Drivers who believe their vehicle may be included can search their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall database or contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. The manufacturer’s recall number is 91TV.

The latest action is one of several major safety recalls announced by automakers in recent months, many involving technology designed to improve driver safety.

Earlier this month, BMW recalled more than 300,000 vehicles after discovering that a wiring issue could increase the risk of a crash. The campaign affected several popular models, with dealers instructed to carry out repairs free of charge.

Ford has also issued multiple recalls this year, including one affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles over rearview camera software problems that could cause the image to freeze or fail to display, reducing a driver’s visibility when reversing.

Meanwhile, Honda recently recalled more than 259,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a brake pedal defect that could shift out of position, potentially preventing drivers from braking safely and increasing the risk of a collision.

If your SUV is included in the recall, the carmaker advises scheduling an appointment with an authorized dealership

If your SUV is included in the recall, the carmaker advises scheduling an appointment with an authorized dealership

Safety experts recommend that motorists regularly check whether their vehicle has any outstanding recalls by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s online database. 

Manufacturers repair safety-related defects free of charge, regardless of the vehicle’s age.

The Volkswagen recall applies to 2024-2026 Volkswagen Atlas models, with 38,646 vehicles affected, and 2024-2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport models, with 19,205 vehicles included in the campaign.

If your SUV is included in the recall, the carmaker advises scheduling an appointment with an authorized dealership, where technicians will install updated rearview camera software at no cost.

Owners can also check whether their vehicle is affected by entering their VIN on the NHTSA’s recall website or by contacting Volkswagen customer service.

Trump Reveals Ambitious $22.5 Billion Dulles Airport Revamp, Promising Transformative Changes

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Trump Reveals Ambitious $22.5 Billion Dulles Airport Revamp, Promising Transformative Changes

In a major announcement on Wednesday, President Donald Trump revealed an ambitious $22.5 billion endeavor aimed at transforming Washington Dulles International Airport. Unfolding this vision during an event at the Oval Office, Trump was joined by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby.

Trump expressed enthusiasm about the airport’s transformation process, saying, “We’ve consulted over 30 architects and reviewed numerous designs. Through careful selection, we have crafted a plan that is not only efficient but also visually stunning.”

Highlighting the need for change, Trump remarked, “Regardless of political affiliation, no one wants to experience this airport as it stands today. It’s not a pleasant environment. However, our aim is for Dulles to gain recognition as the best airport in the country in the coming years.”

A rendering of the $22.5 billion renovation of Washington Dulles International Airport announced by President Trump in Washington, July 29, 2026.

A rendering of the $22.5 billion renovation of Washington Dulles International Airport announced by President Trump in Washington, July 29, 2026.United Airlines

In his second term, Trump has been proactive in initiating various projects around Washington. Notable endeavors include the construction of a new ballroom at the White House and a planned renovation of the Kennedy Center—a project that briefly bore his name until a court ruling necessitated its removal.

The rejuvenation project at Dulles will receive funding through the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, alongside contributions from airlines operating from the airport. The primary financial support will stem from low-interest municipal bonds issued by the authority. Trump mentioned that while the initiative calls for some congressional approval, it benefits from bipartisan support.

Using a laser pointer, the president showed off renderings of what travelers can expect, including four new concourses, parking lots closer to the main terminal and an expanded AeroTrain which will scrap antiquated mobile lounges, known as “people movers,” which transport passengers between concourses.

FILE - A sign of Washington Dulles International Airport station is seen at Washington Dulles International Airport, in Chantilly, Va., Nov. 15, 2022.

FILE – A sign of Washington Dulles International Airport station is seen at Washington Dulles International Airport, in Chantilly, Va., Nov. 15, 2022.AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File

The people movers are a top complaint among passengers who frequently use Dulles. The vehicles, which date back to the 1960s, resemble buses that raise to dock at concourses and lower to travel, are often packed with mostly standing passengers and move among airport traffic. They are a top complaint among passengers who frequently use Dulles.

“They’re slow, and people are angry about them. We are going to get rid of those,” Duffy said.

The multiyear project would change the landscape of most of the airport, but the iconic main terminal building would keep its historic appearance.

Dulles will add 5 million square feet of new and renovated terminal and retail space, including an international terminal that will allow passengers to walk directly to the Customs area. The president also claimed the airport will have the largest parking garage in the world with 32,000 parking spaces.The airport’s biggest airline, United, currently operates most of its flights out of an outdated and cramped terminal that was built in 1985 as a temporary facility. It was rehabbed in 2006 in order to extend its life.

United has been working behind the scenes on the design and details of the project. In addition to new gates and concourses, United passengers will get a new state of the art check-in area in the main terminal and a faster baggage system. United will also build one of the largest United Polaris lounges in the world.

“The terminal that’s out there today was built 45 years ago. It was meant to be temporary, and so I’ve spent my whole career at United Airlines waiting for this day, and all the people of United Airlines have spent even longer waiting for the day that we could have really the best airport in the world, and this design is one that works great for the airline,” Kirby said in the Oval Office.

Officials said the airport will remain open during the renovation, which will take place in phases over 10 years in partnership with the airlines and the airport authority.

Wildfires Prompt George Clooney’s Family’s France Evacuation

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Wildfires Prompt George Clooney’s Family’s France Evacuation

PARIS – In a recent turn of events, George Clooney has revealed that his family was compelled to flee their residence in southeastern France due to a nearby raging wildfire, as confirmed by his agent on Thursday.

The acclaimed Hollywood actor, renowned for his roles in the Ocean’s Eleven series and numerous other cinematic projects, made this disclosure in a heartfelt letter addressed to Didier Bremond. Bremond is the mayor of Brignoles, a town situated around 90 kilometers (55 miles) east of Marseille. This information was shared by Clooney’s publicist, Guido Gotz, in an email to The Associated Press.

Opening with a cordial “Dear Didier,” the letter expressed uncertainty, stating, “At this point, we have no idea whether our beautiful home makes it through this terrible moment.” As the Clooney family made the difficult decision to leave Brignoles, they wanted to highlight two key points in their message.

“Firstly, we hope you and the people of our city stay safe. Secondly, Amal and I are committed to ensuring that whatever happens to our village, we remain part of this community and we’ll be part of making it whole again,” Clooney wrote, referencing his wife Amal, who is a distinguished human rights attorney.

The fire affecting areas near Brignoles erupted on Wednesday afternoon, consuming approximately 100 hectares (247 acres), according to local officials. This blaze, while concerning, is smaller in scale compared to a massive wildfire that has recently devastated the Bordeaux region in southwestern France.

About 700 residents were evacuated and were allowed to return to their homes on Thursday after the fire was brought under control, they added.

The French government in December announced that the Clooneys along with their their twins Ella and Alexander were awarded French citizenship.

The couple purchased their estate in France in 2021. In an interview with Esquire last October, Clooney described their “farm in France” as their primary residence.

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

Trapped & Tormented: 11-Year-Old Escapes Horror After Parents’ Inhumane Lock Up

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Trapped & Tormented: 11-Year-Old Escapes Horror After Parents’ Inhumane Lock Up

From left to right: Manuel Ortiz and Licha Ortiz (West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation).

A harrowing discovery was made in West Virginia when an 11-year-old girl, bound with zip-ties, was discovered in a garage bathroom of her home. This bathroom had been sealed with spray foam insulation, and a camera had been positioned to monitor the door. This alarming situation led to the arrest of the child’s parents, law enforcement officials have confirmed.

In a heartbreaking message scrawled on a bathroom wall, the child expressed her feelings of neglect: “They love my brother but not me,” she wrote, as cited in a criminal complaint accessed by local CBS station WDTV. “No one on my side,” the note continued, starkly stating, “Just me.”

The parents, Manuel Ortiz Jr., 69, and Licha Ortiz, 54, face serious charges including child abuse that could lead to bodily harm or even death, along with conspiracy, as detailed in court documents reviewed by Law&Crime.

Authorities were alerted by a witness who discovered the young girl restrained within the garage of the family’s residence in Beverly, West Virginia. Allegedly, she was confined to a bathroom within the garage, its door sealed with spray foam. The girl reportedly communicated through a small gap in the door to both her rescuer and her parents, the criminal complaint reveals.

The witness used tools to remove the foam and opened the door to find the victim with her hands zip-tied behind her back and zip ties around her ankles, police say. It’s unclear how long the child had been inside the bathroom.

“It makes you uncomfortable,” Manuel Ortiz allegedly told the witness’s boyfriend when he asked about what was going on, WDTV reports.

Police say the victim had ligature marks on her wrists and ankles when examined by officers. Her feet also appeared swollen and red.

Police executed a search warrant at the Ortiz residence and found large amounts of trash and belongings piled up in the home. Officers also found a camera on an end table facing the bathroom door in the garage, which Licha Ortiz claimed was broken, according to The Inter-Mountain newspaper. Officers seized the camera as evidence.

Manuel Ortiz and Licha Ortiz were both being held this week on cash-only bonds set at $150,000 each.

The post Parents used spray foam to seal their 11-year-old inside garage bathroom, girl wrote ‘they love my brother but not me’ all over walls: Cops first appeared on Law & Crime.

Long-Elusive Fugitive Ronald Fischer Captured After 20 Years on the Run

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Long-Elusive Fugitive Ronald Fischer Captured After 20 Years on the Run

For over two decades, a fugitive often spotlighted on “America’s Most Wanted” has been evading capture. Recently, this elusive figure faced the judicial system in Rhode Island, revealing his true identity for the first time since escaping the grip of justice during a sexual assault trial.

Seventy-year-old Ronald Fischer confirmed his identity during a session at Newport Superior Court. The hearing addressed multiple issues, including the dismissal of an old warrant related to his alleged evasion of a 2005 court appearance. Additionally, he was formally charged with bail jumping, and his bail was set at $20,000 surety.

His run came to an abrupt end earlier this month when Fischer was apprehended on board the 56-foot sailboat “Silver Lining” near New Jersey’s shores. Law enforcement managed to track him down thanks to a reliable tip regarding his location.

Without legal representation, Fischer stood in court on Monday as officials discussed assigning him an attorney to aid in his defense.

Ronald Fischer stands at a courtroom microphone during a hearing in Newport Superior Court while sheriff's deputies stand nearby.

In a dramatic twist, authorities captured Ronald Fischer last week on a sailboat off the New Jersey coast, and he is now facing proceedings at Newport Superior Court. (Pool)

His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 17.

Authorities said Fischer had been living under the alias “Dr. Richard Graydon” while eluding capture for more than 20 years.

Fischer disappeared during his 2005 sexual assault trial in Rhode Island, where he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman aboard his boat at a Portsmouth marina in 2003. He was later convicted in absentia and remained one of the state’s most wanted fugitives, appearing multiple times on “America’s Most Wanted.”

Ronald Fischer walks into a Rhode Island courtroom flanked by sheriff's deputies during his first court appearance after his arrest.

Ronald Fischer is escorted into a Newport, Rhode Island, courtroom for his first appearance after being captured following more than two decades as a fugitive. (Pool)

An affidavit previously obtained by News Media details how investigators believe Fischer meticulously planned his disappearance before vanishing.

Investigators wrote that Fischer emailed his attorney on April 23, 2005, saying he intended to flee the country rather than risk a conviction. Later that evening, they said he called each of his daughters and told them he was leaving the United States.

According to the affidavit, Fischer contacted a New York travel agency before purchasing an American Airlines ticket from Boston to London, only to cancel the reservation before boarding the flight.

Ronald Fischer stands at the defense table in Newport Superior Court as court personnel and sheriff's deputies look on during his first court appearance since his capture.

Ronald Fischer appears in Newport Superior Court in Rhode Island on Monday, days after authorities captured the longtime fugitive following more than 20 years on the run. (Pool)

Surveillance cameras later captured him returning a rental car to an Enterprise location in Boston shortly after midnight before walking away carrying two travel bags.

Investigators also determined Fischer spent the days before his disappearance putting his affairs in order by transferring vehicles to his daughters, instructing them to remove their belongings from his home and disposing of a Jaguar before vanishing.

A recent booking-style photo of Ronald L. Fischer with a black

Ronald L. Fischer, a former anesthesiologist and one of Rhode Island’s longest-wanted fugitives, was captured after more than 20 years on the run, authorities said. (Rhode Island State Police)

The affidavit also alleges Fischer emailed attorney Robert Mann explaining he had decided not to risk being convicted in Rhode Island and instead planned to leave the country to pursue what he described as “a good, safe, secure and comfortable life.”

Fischer now faces sentencing in the sexual assault case, a felony bail-jumping charge and a pending federal charge alleging unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

The U.S. Marshals Service credited a multi-agency investigation and a public tip with leading investigators to Fischer’s capture, ending what it described as one of Rhode Island’s longest-running fugitive cases.

Tom Cruise’s ‘Digger’ Press Event Unveiled: Why Hollywood is Moving Away from Film Critic Influencers

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Tom Cruise’s ‘Digger’ Press Event Unveiled: Why Hollywood is Moving Away from Film Critic Influencers

Hollywood studios have embraced the power of social media influencers. It makes sense; as the film industry evolves, unpredictable elements like journalists and critics are becoming less central to pre-release strategies. Enter influencers like Straw Hat Goofy, whose impact is rivaling that of legendary critics such as Pauline Kael.

July 9 marked a unique event by Warner Bros. to unveil the trailer for their forthcoming Tom Cruise thriller “Digger.” This gathering heavily featured influencers, a few trade reporters, and Cruise himself. While the event was rich in spectacle, its authenticity was called into question.

Upon arriving at the Burbank studio, attendees were required to surrender their phones, barring them from capturing photos or videos of Cruise’s display in front of a massive 24,000-pound prop shovel or the impressive exhibition of the film’s VistaVision camera equipment. Sources indicated only Warner-approved photographers and videographers were permitted to record the proceedings. Nonetheless, participants later shared eerily similar photos tempered with effusive praise, recounting their extraordinary day with the “Mission: Impossible” icon.

“You could have your picture taken with Tom, but it was done by their photographer and then posted by influencers as if it had happened naturally,” described a source from the event. “The whole experience felt strangely orchestrated and thoroughly managed.”

A representative from Warner Bros. clarified, “Tom regularly takes selfies with fans. Though, given the size of the groups hosted that day—over 200 guests in two sessions—a photographer was provided for efficiency, but participation was entirely voluntary.”

The movie influencers covering the event later posted comments on Cruise’s Instagram feed such as: “Thank you for the invite and conversation. Me, You, eyes interlocked… obviously I chocked [sic], what els [sic],” “Had the best time! Thanks for geeking out with me!,” “What an incredible day. Thank you for having us, Tom ” and “Thank you for being so kind! It was an honor to tell you my life story. That day is going to be forever in my heart.” And that’s leaving out all the many heart emojis. Another influencer filmed a clip in his car screeching that he couldn’t believe he’d met Cruise, but that he didn’t have a pic because it was still somewhere inside Warner Bros.’ system. (Certainly not the usual reaction from an Andrew Sarris or David Thomsen back in the day.)

Cruise did sitdown interviews for “Digger,” junket-style, with a former advertising creative-turned-freelancer Patrick Tomasso (241K YouTube subs), the aforementioned Straw Hat Goofy (3.6M TikTok followers) who asks on his social media profile “Can I Be Your Movie Guy?” and another movie influencer called JocWatchlist (481.7K TikTok followers). Attendees even filmed a group promo clip with Cruise, and even the video’s director posted, “Got to direct @tomcruise’s first TikTok @diggerthemovie.”

Then again, the Alejandro González Iñárritu-directed film is a risky swing for the studio, leaving a small margin for error. Warner Bros. officially puts the budget at $125 million. (We hear it’s at least $135 million and possibly more.) But even at $125 million, the movie would need to outpace other Cruise-toplined adult-skewing fare like “American Made†($135 million worldwide, and the actor’s last movie not based on preexisting IP), or the historical drama “Valkyrie” ($202 million).

“Digger”‘s box-office and anticipated awards-season traction will be determined when the movie opens Oct. 2.

Even with Cruise’s stratospheric star power, his fans might be challenged by the “Digger†version of Cruise complete with old-man prosthetics, a gray balding hairpiece and bad teeth. (Then again he made history as the unrecognizable Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder.”)

Warners is not alone in seeking to court influencers and creators as marketing saviors in a town desperate to regain its box office footing through youth-oriented marketing. With so much at stake, studios are increasingly leaning on influencers early in the marketing process. “It’s emblematic of the mainstream industry being in a perpetual state of flop sweat,” muses a venerable critic.

“Unpredictable is a bad word in Hollywood… a four-letter word. Every executive from top to bottom is like, ‘How do I remove the unpredictable from my campaign?’†says one veteran marketing guru. “And that’s where the influencers come in.â€

Says another veteran critic, “The studios now feel the only safe space they have is with the influencers. People who aren’t legitimate critics or reporters, even though most of them are members of the Critics Choice Awards, the jokiest credential ever.â€

It has become standard for studios to invite influencers and creators for fully paid set visits during production and then to hold screenings for those same influencers a week — if not several — in advance of when critics at legacy outlets get their first crack at seeing a film.

A few recent examples of the strategy include “Masters of the Universe†and “Supergirl.†Even Steven Spielberg picked up the influencer trend with a “Disclosure Day†TikTok event two weeks prior to the film’s release, plus a tour of Amblin’s archive with influencer Reece Feldman.

(By contrast, Christopher Nolan‘s “The Odyssey” bucked the trend and banned influencers from early screenings. It is by far the summer’s biggest hit to date.)

Some say it comes down to cost. “Why wouldn’t I try to reach a specific or niche audience for pennies on the dollar that I would have spent through traditional media?†asks a marketer.

Even better for marketing execs looking to sway potential moviegoers, most influencers and creators are not held to any of the journalistic standards that apply to writers at legacy media outlets with ethical guidelines.

“It goes back to the death of expertise, the internet is the death of expertise,” says a high-ranking studio exec. “But people raised on the internet do not care about expertise. Their idea of expertise is how many followers they have on TikTok. It’s a shifting value system.â€

When“ Supergirl†was released, several influencers attacked top Variety critic Owen Gleiberman for his largely negative review. “If you are at an age where you can remember life before smartphones then you might care what a critic says. But if you grew up with a smart phone, the creators and influencers — those are your critics,” says a film pro.

But the chorus of influencers defending “Supergirl” did not drive audiences to buy tickets to the box-office bomb.

One exec adds that after sharp media cutbacks during the pandemic, “Critics never regained a new consistent platform. Siskel and Ebert were the last TV critics with influence. The quality and consistency of solid film criticism that speaks to the audience’s viewing tastes is gone, and the critics now seem to be reviewing from a narcissistic place. There is no one who moves the box office. You’re better off going to Letterboxd. The internet is the new critic, with influence flow or algorithms geared to the viewer.”

It’s not hard to find evidence of how the creator economy is eating legacy media’s lunch. “What’s so amazing to me is that when the influencer embargo gets lifted the traditional media outlets write these initial reaction stories which are just pickups of what these influencers post, which I find so sad,” says another entertainment vet.

But… perhaps having a good movie is the recipe for success. A seasoned exec says of Curry Barker’s Gen Z smash “Obsession”: “I couldn’t tell who was pushing the film as an influencer from the people who were just fanatics about the movie. It felt totally organic to the moment.â€

This same exec warns that the studios now risk leaning too heavily on a form of marketing they don’t fully understand. “People using social media are very savvy and if it feels ‘paid for’ or ‘sponsored by’ there’s going to be a lot of backlash. Authenticity is everything and it is very hard for studios to manufacture that.â€
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