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Las Vegas Police Respond to Jared Leto Sexual Assault Allegations

The Las Vegas police have responded to sexual assault allegations made against Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto, which surfaced in a newly released BBC documentary.

According to a BBC investigation published on Wednesday, July 29, Leto, 54, has been accused of sexual assault and various other sexual misconduct acts. Among the allegations is a claim by a woman identified as Isabel, who asserts that the assault occurred in 2002 when she was just 17, and Leto was in his 30s.

Isabel alleged that the said incident took place in a “dingy, gross motel” located in Las Vegas.

Addressing the situation, a spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated to TMZ on Wednesday that such an allegation had never been reported to their local law enforcement offices.

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Jared Leto has publicly denied the charges following the BBC’s investigation that claimed he was involved in sexual misconduct. “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life,” Leto, 54, insisted in a statement shared with Us on Wednesday, July 29. “These claims are absolutely and categorically false.” Just a few hours earlier, four women had come forward with accusations against Leto…

“There have been no sexual assault reports filed against this individual in LVMPD’s jurisdiction,” the spokesperson said.

In the BBC documentary, Isabel claimed that once inside Leto’s Vegas motel room, he beckoned her into the bathroom, where he was showering.

“I don’t think there [were] many words exchanged and he opened the shower curtain and started kissing me,” she said.

Isabel claimed that Leto then used her hand to masturbate himself. She said she pulled away from the Thirty Seconds to Mars musician and left the room shortly after.

Jared-Leto-GettyImages-2207755139

Jared Leto has been accused of “sexual impropriety” by multiple women. AirMail published a lengthy exposé on Saturday, June 7, alleging that Leto, 53, had acted inappropriately with younger women for many years. (The Oscar winner denied all of the accusations in a statement to the publication. Us Weekly has reached out for comment.) “It’s […]

“Most of my life I had viewed this event as I was a stupid girl… and so this bad thing happened,” she said in the documentary.

Leto denied all of the accusations made against him in the BBC documentary, telling Us in a statement on Wednesday, “I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my entire life. These claims are absolutely and categorically false.”

Another woman, identified by the BBC as former model Alex, claimed that she was invited to a party at a London hotel following a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert in 2013. She alleged that once she arrived, “I see that it’s just him,” and that Leto threatened her with sexual assault.

Alex, who said she was 19 at the time, was worried about having no cash and her phone battery dying. She claimed she asked Leto if he had a phone charger or money to help her to get home, but he allegedly said no. She said she then asked if she could sleep on the chaise longue in Leto’s room and that he responded that she would wake up with a “d*** in her ass” if she did.

Another woman claimed she had sex with Leto in California when she was 17, which would legally be considered statutory rape, and a fourth accused Leto of grooming her when she was 16.

Leto denies all of the allegations.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Hate-Driven Attack: Man Jailed for Targeting Jewish Headquarters in New York

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A dramatic turn in the legal saga unfolded when, on Wednesday, a man faced the consequences of his actions. After deliberately crashing his car into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters back in January, he received a sentence of six months and one week in jail, specifically for damaging a side-entry door of the prominent establishment.

The man at the center of this incident, 36-year-old Dan Sohail from New Jersey, learned his fate in a Brooklyn federal court. In addition to his prison sentence, he was handed a hefty bill, required to pay $20,000 as restitution. Having already served six months, Sohail is expected to regain his freedom shortly, in roughly a week’s time.

Sohail had been formally accused of deliberately targeting a religious institution, admitting his guilt this past May. His actions placed him in the legal crosshairs under charges that underscored the gravity of such offenses.

Though prosecutors pushed for a longer stint behind bars, recommending a 14-month sentence to send a strong message against rising antisemitic hate incidents, the presiding judge opted for a lighter punishment. Prosecutors had hoped an extended sentence might deter similar future attacks on Jewish establishments, reflecting the ongoing concerns about increasing hate crimes targeting these communities.

Chabad Lubavitch HQ

Dan Sohail was sentenced to six months and a week behind bars for ramming his car into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

On Jan. 28, Sohail repeatedly rammed his vehicle into the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters. He moved protective barriers, gestured for congregants to get out of the way and drove his car into the building’s side entrance five times, knocking the door off its hinges and destroying his car’s front bumper.

While the doors were damaged, no injuries were reported.

Judge Eric N. Vitaliano said he was “somewhat saddened” that the Justice Department wanted him to be influenced at sentencing by the public’s mistaken initial impression that the attack was a hate crime.

Prosecutors said ahead of sentencing that 80 of 146 hate crime incidents across New York City since the start of the year were based on crimes targeting Jewish people and institutions.

Hasidic Jewish community gather outside of the Chabad Lubavitch HQ

Judge Eric N. Vitaliano said he was “somewhat saddened” to see that the DOJ attempted to influence him by a mistaken initial belief among the public that the attack was a hate crime. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

But Vitaliano said the government’s push for a stricter sentence as a deterrent to future attacks was in part based on the incident initially being labeled as an “I-hate-the-Jews crime, or, worse, an act-of-terrorism crime.”

The judge cited a psychiatric report and said Sohail’s mental health challenges “played an important role” in his sentencing.

“This is a sad tale,” Vitaliano said.

Sohail’s lawyer, Mia Eisner-Grynberg, said he had been trying to win acceptance at the Jewish institution as he struggled with psychological issues.

Chabad Lubavitch world headquarters

Dan Sohail was charged with intentionally damaging religious property, pleading guilty in May. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Eisner-Grynberg told the judge in court papers before sentencing that Sohail was battling depression and post-traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic childhood when he carried out the attack, even as he “desperately sought belonging and understanding through his exploration of Judaism.”

She said Sohail attended the Chabad he later attacked, finding rabbinical students there “warm and welcoming.”

Sohail “danced with them” and followed their recommendation to visit Israel, but he became erratic and extremely anxious after returning to the U.S., “begging” members of Chabad to help him, Eisner-Grynberg said.

Ramming the car into the building was “an irrational cry for help,” she said.

TSA Uncovers Grapefruit-Sized Civil War Cannonballs at Checkpoint

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An ordinary baggage check took a surprising turn at an Alabama airport when TSA officers stumbled upon stolen historical treasures hidden within a passenger’s luggage, causing quite a stir.

These historical items emerged during the screening of a traveler’s checked suitcase at Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA), situated approximately 45 miles from Mobile, Alabama, on July 18.

According to a story on the TSA website, dated July 24, lead TSA officer Justin Dupree identified the artifacts as five cannonballs from the Civil War era.

Dupree, upon examining the bag, noticed a mysterious large opaque image on his X-ray monitor, which initially made him think of a medicine ball.

The discovery revealed five cannonballs, each varying in size, carefully wrapped in paper towels.

The larger ones were “about the size of grapefruits,” Dupree said.

“My first thought was, ‘I couldn’t see a fuse and need to get some help quick,’” Dupree said, according to the TSA.

“I couldn’t see the entire item but was scared I might have been holding a live explosive.”

He quickly alerted his supervisor, Richard Cash, a supervisory TSA officer.

Dupree, who’s been a TSA officer for about four years, said he had “never seen anything quite this unique.”

“I’ve seen inert grenades and training munitions but never an Indiana Jones-esque stolen artifact-type situation,” Dupree said.

Cash analyzed the X-ray image and agreed with Dupree that the cannonballs could pose a danger.

Regional TSA explosives specialists were notified, and local police and deputies with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the airport.

“It was my first time dealing with a potentially live explosive.”

Cash told TSA officials that he “had never seen anything like this.”

“It was my first time dealing with a potentially live explosive, and it’s actually only the second incident we’ve had since JKA opened in May 2025,” he said.

The cannonballs were prohibited from the aircraft because they were classified as artillery munitions, and officers could not immediately determine whether they were inert, Cash said.

“With assistance from the [explosives expert] and law enforcement, and because we were unable to initially determine they were inert, they could have been dangerous to the aircraft,” he said.

Officials later found that the cannonballs had been stolen from Fort Morgan, a historic fort in Gasque, Alabama.

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital a juvenile stole them from a storage area within the fort.

The cannonballs “were being transported in the juvenile’s grandmother’s checked bag,” officials said.

“Fort Morgan personnel were able to confirm the items as their property due to paint markings they apply to artifacts,” the office added.

“The grandmother stated that she did not know they were stolen. Fort Morgan’s director chose to not press charges, so there was no further action from us.”

In a statement, TSA Alabama Federal Security Director Tara Corse said she was “very proud of the great catch and teamwork by Officers Dupree and Cash.”

“Even if inert and not active, travelers should avoid bringing weapons of any kind, including replicas, to the airport. They can cause security alerts, flight delays and safety concerns,” said Corse.

Fox News Digital reached out to the TSA for further information and comment.

Bride-to-be Arrested for Arson at Mormon Church Ahead of Wedding Day

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In a startling turn of events, a bride-to-be found herself in handcuffs after reportedly igniting a fire in a Mormon church in Utah, using a tampon as the alleged tool, merely a day before her wedding was scheduled to take place.

The woman at the center of this incident, 25-year-old Lenita ‘Tessa’ Joy Moreno from Wyoming, has been accused of setting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Kaysville ablaze just hours before her nuptials. This act of arson resulted in damages exceeding $108,000, as reported by KUTV News.

Upon investigation, fire experts concluded that the flames were intentionally ignited beneath a chair using unconventional materials, notably, a tampon, which added a bizarre twist to the arson case.

Surveillance cameras in the vicinity momentarily captured Moreno allegedly pilfering two to three lighters from a nearby hardware store, tucking them away in her shirt and shoe before leaving the premises.

According to a probable cause statement provided to KUTV, authorities suspect that Lenita sparked the fire while the church was still occupied by five other individuals, a detail that compounds the gravity of the incident.

‘Lenita did not obtain a marriage license for her own wedding that was to occur the following day after the fire but had lied stating she had.’ 

On Monday, Moreno was arrested and charged with aggravated arson, retail theft and providing false information to a peace officer.

Her arrest came more than two weeks after police and fire crews rushed to the Kaysville Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 198 West Center Street following reports of a fire shortly after 10pm on July 10.

Lenita 'Tessa' Joy Moreno, 25, of Wyoming, is accused of setting fire to an LDS church in Kaysville, Utah, on July 10 - just one day before her wedding ceremony was set to take place inside

Lenita ‘Tessa’ Joy Moreno, 25, of Wyoming, is accused of setting fire to an LDS church in Kaysville, Utah, on July 10 – just one day before her wedding ceremony was set to take place inside

Fire investigators determined the blaze had been deliberately set beneath a chair inside the building using unusual items, 'including what appeared to be a tampon' according to KUTV News

Fire investigators determined the blaze had been deliberately set beneath a chair inside the building using unusual items, ‘including what appeared to be a tampon’ according to KUTV News

Inside, family members told police they had been setting up for the next day’s ceremony and were preparing to leave when the fire alarm suddenly went off, according to a police booking affidavit obtained by KUTV and KSL News.

They said that after spotting flames in the Relief Society room, one person attempted to douse the blaze with water from wedding decorations while another used a fire extinguisher.

During the initial investigation, authorities determined the fire had been deliberately set beneath a chair that was stacked against the wall. 

‘Under one of the chairs appeared to be items that were out of the ordinary, including what appeared to be a tampon with the applicator on the floor,’ the affidavit read, according to KSL.

The groom told investigators that he and his fiancée had been inside the Relief Society room just minutes before the fire alarm went off. 

Police also noted that the woman initially identified herself as Tessa Moran, but was later confirmed to be Moreno, KSL reports.

‘The cost of building repair to date is just over $108,000,’ the affidavit said.

In the days following the fire, investigators interviewed those who were present at the scene, including the unidentified groom, who said he and Moreno had gone to Ace Hardware and Chevron that night to purchase drinks and decor hooks. 

On Monday, Moreno was arrested and charged with aggravated arson, retail theft and providing false information to a peace officer

On Monday, Moreno was arrested and charged with aggravated arson, retail theft and providing false information to a peace officer

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KUTV, Moreno lit the fire while 'five others were still inside' and 'did not obtain a marriage license for her own wedding that was to occur the following day after the fire but had lied stating she had'

According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by KUTV, Moreno lit the fire while ‘five others were still inside’ and ‘did not obtain a marriage license for her own wedding that was to occur the following day after the fire but had lied stating she had’

Employees at Ace Hardware confirmed the visit, and surveillance footage soon showed Moreno walking toward the lighters, secretly snatching an unknown number of them and hiding them on her.

According to the documents, Moreno’s fiancé was not nearby when she allegedly grabbed the lighters. The couple ultimately left Ace Hardware after paying only for the hooks.

During a police interview, Moreno admitted to stealing when confronted about the incident, but refused to tell investigators what specific items she had walked out with, the affidavit said.

When questioned about having a lighter, she allegedly told police she did not carry one and would have no reason to because she does not smoke. 

‘Lenita is from out of state and through the investigation has been found to continually be deceptive and take drastic steps to hide her lies,’ the affidavit said, according to KSL.

The bride-to-be was booked into the Davis County Jail on multiple charges, where she remains held without bail. 

The investigation involved Kaysville police and fire officials, the fire marshal’s office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to Kaysville police and fire officials for comment. 

Ex-Police Officer Extradited to U.S. to Face Charges in Wife’s Murder and Child Molestation Cases

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A former Charleston Police Officer, who evaded capture for years after being accused of his wife’s murder, has been extradited back to the United States following his arrest in China.

Dan Hiers Jr., who gained notoriety when he was listed among the U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted in 2005, was detained on July 22 by U.S. Marshals in Shanghai. This development was confirmed by an official statement from the agency.

The 53-year-old is facing serious charges, including a warrant from Dorchester County for criminal sexual conduct with a minor and another for murder from Goose Creek.

Hiers’ last known sighting was on March 15, 2005, coinciding with the tragic discovery of his wife, 24-year-old Ludimila Hiers, in their Goose Creek, South Carolina residence. Authorities reported that she had been shot in the back of the head while she slept.

Previously a Charleston Police Department officer, Hiers was suspended in 2004 after accusations emerged regarding his involvement in sexual misconduct with a minor in Dorchester County. That same year, the North Charleston Police arrested him for lewd acts against a child under 16, though he was subsequently released on bond.

Hiers was expected to surrender to authorities on March 15, 2005, to face additional charges, but the U.S. Marshal’s Service said he failed to meet his attorney at the sheriff’s office and went on the run.

“He was contacted about coming to the sheriff’s office to turn himself in. It’s very common practice, particularly already under charges, as he was at the time,” retired Dorchester County Sheriff Ray Nash explained to WCBD. “My understanding is that he did not show up for that meeting. And so officers went out to his residence to try to locate him on the street. That’s when they found the situation involving his wife.”

The case quickly garnered media attention, with Hiers’ case being featured numerous times on  America’s Most Wanted and The Hunt with John Walsh.

“This hit the headlines very quickly, as I remember,” Nash told the outlet. “It was very traumatic for the community.”

For years, investigators tried to find Hiers. According to the U.S. Marshal Service’s Most Wanted poster, Hiers had 11 years of experience as a police officer and was proficient in police tactics and procedures. 

“He is also trained in martial arts and maintains a high level of physical fitness,” they said. “Hiers has stated that he will not go to prison, is possibly suicidal, and may forced an armed confrontation.” 

In 2018, he was captured in China after a woman recognized him as her former English teacher, according to WCSC and Bluffton Today.

It would take years, however, until he would be transported back to the United States. 

“Dan Hiers was in a position of public trust, but he betrayed that trust in the worst possible way,” Director of the U.S. Marshal Service Gadyaces S. Serralta remarked in the release. “Placing him on our 15 Most Wanted list made his capture a priority for this agency. His return to South Carolina is both significant and rewarding, and we thank our domestic and international partners for their tireless persistence in bringing this fugitive to justice.” 

Director of the Diplomatic Security Service Nicolas Collura thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and Chinese law enforcement authorities for ensuring “Dan Hiers finally answers for his crimes.” 

“Our special agents overseas work tirelessly every day, tracking fugitives who believe distance and time will protect them,” he added. “Their dedication, alongside our partners, proves that no fugitive is beyond the reach of American justice.”

In a post on Instagram celebrating the case milestone, authorities said they were able to return Hiers to the U.S. after “a lengthy investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service.”

It’s expected that Hiers will be returned to South Carolina to face the charges against him. It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney.

Border Agents Seize $20 Million Cocaine Stash Concealed Under Truck Floorboards in Major Bust

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In a notable drug bust, federal agents discovered over 1,000 pounds of cocaine stashed under the floorboards of a commercial vehicle arriving from Mexico. This operation stands as one of Southern California’s most significant narcotics seizures this year.

The Department of Justice revealed that the substantial haul of cocaine was concealed inside the floorboards of a flatbed trailer and commercial truck intercepted at the Calexico Port of Entry, which bridges California and Mexico. Officials estimate the street worth of the confiscated cocaine at more than $20 million.

This seizure represents the second-largest cocaine bust within the Southern District of California for the current year, as stated by federal prosecutors.

FEDS SEIZE $6.4M WORTH OF COCAINE ABOARD OIL TANKER AT PORT OF LOS ANGELES, ARREST SUSPECTED CARTEL SMUGGLER

More than 1,000 pounds of cocaine

Federal authorities seized more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine, valued at more than $20 million, during an inspection at the Calexico Port of Entry in California. (Department of Justice)

Jose Manuel Lopez, 44, a Mexican national and the truck’s sole occupant, was arrested and charged with importing cocaine into the United States.

If convicted, Lopez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life.

In court filings seeking to keep Lopez in custody, prosecutors described the seizure as “a tremendous amount of drugs, even by the standards of this district.”

SINALOA CARTEL BOSS ‘EL MAYO’ SENTENCED TO LIFE, ORDERED TO PAY $15B IN DRUG TRAFFICKING PROFITS

Wooden floorboards of a commercial trailer

Authorities removed the wooden floorboards of a commercial trailer after discovering more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine hidden underneath, prosecutors said. (Department of Justice)

The only larger cocaine seizure in the Southern District of California this year came in May, when authorities uncovered more than a ton of cocaine worth an estimated $45 million linked to an alleged cross-border drug tunnel.

Officials said the trailer was carrying 269 bundles of rebar when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, working alongside Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, detected anomalies during an X-ray inspection.

hundreds of packages of cocaine

Federal investigators uncovered hundreds of packages of cocaine hidden beneath the floorboards of a commercial trailer at the Calexico Port of Entry, prosecutors said. (Department of Justice)

After a narcotics detection dog alerted officers the trailer, they unloaded the rebar and removed the wooden floorboards, where they discovered 366 packages of cocaine weighing more than 1,000 pounds, or approximately 454 kilograms, prosecutors said.

Lopez pleaded not guilty during his initial appearance in federal court Tuesday. A detention hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3.

Cam Schlittler’s Impressive Yankees Debut Undermined by Critical Seventh-Inning Setback

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CHICAGO — Wednesday evening nearly belonged to Cam Schlittler, who was dazzling on the mound, making most of his outing appear untouchable.

However, despite such a promising start, the Yankees’ right-hander found himself grappling with disappointment as his stellar performance unraveled, culminating in a heart-wrenching 6-5 defeat against the White Sox in a 12-inning marathon at Rate Field.

Schlittler’s dominance was apparent early on, with just a single baserunner reaching safely due to a broken-bat hit in the fourth inning. Heading into the seventh inning with the Yankees enjoying a comfortable 4-0 lead, Schlittler issued a walk to Munetaka Murakami on a full count. His ensuing 98 mph sinker unfortunately plunked Miguel Vargas on the hands. An out later, Andrew Benintendi delivered a well-placed double down the right-field line, driving in the White Sox’s first run and signaling the end of Schlittler’s commanding night.

Reflecting on the game, Schlittler expressed his frustration over the walk, the first he had given up in three starts. “The walk there is frustrating,” he admitted. “I aimed for the inside against Vargas and hit him instead. They didn’t exactly earn it; I just handed it to them. It’s frustrating, but sometimes that’s just baseball,” he concluded with a rueful smile.

Schlittler, who impressively fanned eight batters while showcasing a sharper, more aggressive curveball, also lamented his pitch choice against Benintendi. This led to a discussion with Gerrit Cole in the dugout, reflecting on how crucial decisions and details can alter the course of a game.

“Shook [off] a pitch to Benintendi, didn’t execute it,” Schlittler said. “Probably had more wiggle room with the pitch Wells called. That’s on me.”

Cam Schlittler throws a pitch during the third inning of the Yankees' 6-5, 12-inning loss to the White Sox on July 29, 2026 in Chicago.

Cam Schlittler throws a pitch during the third inning of the Yankees’ 6-5, 12-inning loss to the White Sox on July 29, 2026 in Chicago. Getty Images


In the last few years, Aaron Boone has pounded the table for the Yankees to acquire certain players, including David Bednar and Alex Verdugo, both of whom ended up on his roster.

As another trade deadline nears, the Yankees manager is making his opinion known to the front office again with a few names in mind.

“Oh yeah,” he said with a grin, of course unwilling to disclose what those names were.

But Boone is keeping in touch with general manager Brian Cashman and his lieutenants, offering an occasional “thought bubble” as the Yankees try to wade through the uncertainty of which teams are selling and which players are actually available ahead of Monday’s deadline.

“At the end of the day, the front office has been working hard at this for certainly weeks, but it’s even years in the making where you’re evaluating other organizations, evaluating your own organization so you’re prepared to move when something potentially comes up,” Boone said. “They’re all down there [in Tampa] ready to do their thing and if something presents itself, then you strike.”


The daily Giancarlo Stanton non-update: He continues to run, according to Boone, but still not on the bases.

“He just needs to get to a level intensity-wise with the running,” Boone said. “You don’t need to keep asking. He’s running. When it gets really close, close to being in a game or something, we’ll let you know. It’s not there yet.”


Carlos Rodón was set to throw about 30 pitches across two simulated innings Wednesday at Double-A Somerset as he builds toward a rehab assignment and potentially rejoining the Yankees in mid- to late August.


The Yankees announced the Old-Timers’ Day roster for the annual game on Aug. 8.

The first-timers scheduled to attend are Dellin Betances, Todd Frazier, Adam Ottavino and David Weathers.

Notably absent were Derek Jeter, who only attended the event in 2023 when a game was not played (he has said he will not play in it), and Brett Gardner, who has not been around the organization at all since he played his last game for it in 2021.

Neil the Seal’s Tasmanian Antics Put Strain on Council Finances

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Neil the seal has become a beloved sensation, charming onlookers both locally and globally with his visits to Tasmania. Yet, his latest sojourn came with a hefty price tag, exceeding $36,000.

The five-year-old elephant seal, native to the south-east of Tasmania where he was born, makes bi-annual appearances to rest and shed his coat.

Neil’s escapades, from squashing bollards and fences to sprawling across serene beachside avenues, have captivated millions on social media, turning him into an online marvel.

In June, local wildlife officials issued a frank warning to the public, stressing the importance of maintaining a safe distance to avoid “loving Neil to death”.

During his 15-day respite at Seven Mile Beach, Neil incurred expenses totaling $31,540.53 for the nearby Clarence City Council, primarily due to staffing and labor efforts required for his visit.

There is also a repair bill for one flattened street sign, 10 knocked-over bollards and one crushed fence, costing council $1,297.70 in materials.

Staff, including a 24-hour security presence, spent 275.5 hours managing traffic and crowds and repairing damage.

Council mayor Brendan Blomeley said the overall bill was relatively small.

An infographic showing how much damage Neil the Seal caused on his latest visit.

“Neil is a wild animal, and the overexposure and constant public attention he received could have led to a more dramatic outcome,” Blomeley said.

“Wherever he decides to come ashore next, I hope he is given the space and time he needs.”

Right-to-information documents obtained by the ABC show that Tasmania’s natural resources and environment department has spent more than $45,000 managing Neil’s four haul-outs in 2025 and 2026.

Neil’s June haul-out cost the department $4,794, but it was still calculating the full price tag.

Neil, who currently weighs one tonne, safely returned to sea in early July and is expected to come back to Tasmania later in the year once he’s done feeding in the Southern Ocean.

He was rescued by wildlife authorities after being born on a beach in southern Tasmania.

Experts have said his “jousting” with posts and other objects is natural behaviour, and something seals of his age usually do with each other.

There were once southern elephant seals in Tasmania, but they were wiped out by hunting in the early 1800s.

The species is currently listed as vulnerable in Australia.

“Neil is potentially one of the first southern elephant seal pups to be born back in Tasmania,” department wildlife expert Kris Carlyon has said.

“Regardless of the resource burden and the challenges that Neil throws, we’re pleased to see him.”


Animator, 72, Rescued by Helicopter in Thrilling Mountain Airlift

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Glen Keane, an Oscar-winning animator formerly with Disney, found himself the focus of a daring rescue mission on a mountain in Paradise Valley, Arizona. On Wednesday, Phoenix firefighters arrived in a helicopter to assist Keane, who faced a medical emergency during his hike.

The 72-year-old animator shared with 12 News that he had embarked on the hike with his grandchildren, but soon realized he was in trouble. Encountering difficulties on the increasingly narrow path, Keane understood he needed emergency assistance.

Upon his call for help, a helicopter was quickly dispatched to his location atop the mountain. The rescue team managed to hoist Keane using a rope, transporting him to a safer landing area, the outlet reported.

Reflecting on the incident, Keane, known for his work on beloved classics like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid, expressed gratitude. He remarked on feeling “blessed” that firefighters could come to his aid during such a perilous situation.

In 2018, Keane received the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for his project “Dear Basketball,” a collaboration with the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for the Phoenix Fire Department for further comment on the story.

Glen Keane, a one-time Disney animator who won an Academy Award, was rescued by helicopter by Phoenix firefighters atop a Paradise Valley, Arizona mountain Wednesday, as he was experiencing a medical emergency

Glen Keane, a one-time Disney animator who won an Academy Award, was rescued by helicopter by Phoenix firefighters atop a Paradise Valley, Arizona mountain Wednesday, as he was experiencing a medical emergency

Keane, 72, who's worked on famed films such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, told the outlet he 'felt blessed' firefighters were able to rescue him amid the dangerous situation. Pictured 2017 in NYC

Keane, 72, who’s worked on famed films such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, told the outlet he ‘felt blessed’ firefighters were able to rescue him amid the dangerous situation. Pictured 2017 in NYC 

Phoenix Fire Captain Todd Keller, speaking to AZFamily, said that reports were made at around 8 a.m. of a hiker experiencing dizziness.

Keane told the outlet that as he was ‘being lifted up’ via helicopter, he had been ‘looking at all the areas that I used to climb around as a kid’ growing up in Arizona. 

He added, ‘And I thought, Lord, thank you. This was just a real blessing to have that crew. And they were really risking their own lives on the edge of that narrow little ledge.

‘I mean, it was very much just like a razor’s edge up there.’

Keller told the outlet AZFamily that hikers need to exercise caution on hot days prior to venturing out.

He said, ‘You need to do a gut check and say, “Hey listen, is it really smart for me to be out on this trail when it’s 93 degrees at seven in the morning?”

‘You’re not only putting yourself at danger, you’re also putting your firefighters and your first responders at danger.’

The fire captain added, ‘You may start your hike at seven in the morning and an hour-and-a-half later, it could be a 25-degree difference. You have to take that into account.’

Keane told the outlet he 'felt blessed' firefighters were able to rescue him amid the dangerous situation

Hikers need to exercise caution on hot days prior to venturing out, fire officials said

Keane told the outlet he ‘felt blessed’ firefighters were able to rescue him amid the dangerous situation

The animator in 2018 won the Best Animated Short Film Academy Award for the Dear Basketball, which he had worked on with the late Kobe Bryant

The animator in 2018 won the Best Animated Short Film Academy Award for the Dear Basketball, which he had worked on with the late Kobe Bryant 

Keane declined to seek medical treatment after the incident, fire officials told the outlet.

The animator told AZFamily that he had a different perspective on the situation after the scary incident.

‘If you’re bringing up your family, make sure you know that you are in safe territory and don’t count on it being the same way you saw it when you were a little kid,’ he said. ‘Things change.’

The Phoenix Fire Department put on its Facebook page a clip of the daring rescue, saying ‘This morning #PHXFire Technical Rescue Teams safely airlifted a hiker off the summit of Mummy Mountain.’

The department continued, ‘The complex technical hoist operation is an example why our members train for these situations.

‘Despite the extreme temperatures and unique terrain, the patient was safely extracted from a dangerous position on the mountain. Remember: take a hike, do it right.’

Ben Affleck Wins $1 Million Prize in Surprise ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ Appearance

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In a thrilling turn of events on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire this week, actor Ben Affleck snagged the coveted $1,000,000 prize. His appearance as a celebrity guest turned out to be quite the sensation, adding an unforgettable moment to the show’s history.

At 53, Affleck, who recently mourned the loss of his mother, Chris Anne, following her battle with pancreatic cancer, teamed up with Jeopardy! legend Jamie Ding. Together, they orchestrated a memorable victory, securing substantial funds for a noble cause.

The impressive $1 million jackpot will benefit the Eastern Congo Initiative, an organization the Hollywood star helped establish in 2010. This initiative focuses on community-oriented solutions and sustainable development in the region.

The suspense reached a crescendo during the ABC game show’s episode on Wednesday, with the charismatic Jimmy Kimmel at the helm. Affleck, alongside Ding, tackled the high-stakes $1 million question with poise.

The pivotal question posed to the pair asked, ‘In an annual Thanksgiving tradition, all but which of these have been the names of turkeys pardoned by a U.S. president?’ This intriguing query added a layer of excitement to their critical moment in the spotlight.

The answers included: Peanut Butter & Jelly, Tater & Tot, Mac & Cheese, and Spaghetti & Meatball. 

Ben Affleck, 53, landed the rare $1,000,000 prize during his celebrity guest appearance on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

Ben Affleck, 53, landed the rare $1,000,000 prize during his celebrity guest appearance on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

The Oscar winner joined forces with Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding to take home the big winnings for charity

The Oscar winner joined forces with Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding to take home the big winnings for charity

Affleck and Ding decided to use the Phone-A-Friend lifeline to call Ding’s longtime trivia partner Stephen Morrison. 

Kimmel explained to the duo that they also still had the Ask-The-Host lifeline, which prompted the actor to jokingly say to ring up Ding’s pal. 

‘No. We might as well have Jimmy help,’ the Hollywood star then expressed. 

The late night talk show host playfully quipped, ‘Alright, I don’t have to give you any of my f***ing thoughts, if you don’t want.’

But Affleck replied, ‘Actually, you’re very good with cooking and food, current events, too. Actually, you might know this.’ 

Kimmel eventually suggested that the answer could be D: Spaghetti & Meatball. 

‘I could see me adding a big bowl in Donald Trump’s hands and him slurping up the spaghetti and meatballs,’ he then joked, before adding, ‘That one sounds like it wasn’t the one to me.’

Affleck shared that the host was ‘probably the best person in the world to ask this question to.’

Affleck and Ding faced the final $1 million question during Wednesday's episode of the ABC game show, with Jimmy Kimmel hosting

Affleck and Ding faced the final $1 million question during Wednesday’s episode of the ABC game show, with Jimmy Kimmel hosting

Kimmel explained to the duo that they still had Ask-The-Host lifeline, which prompted the actor to jokingly say to ring up Ding's pal

Kimmel explained to the duo that they still had Ask-The-Host lifeline, which prompted the actor to jokingly say to ring up Ding’s pal

Affleck and Ding decided to trust Kimmel's guess and also locked in with Spaghetti & Meatball

Affleck and Ding decided to trust Kimmel’s guess and also locked in with Spaghetti & Meatball

After a few lingering seconds, it was revealed that the pair had guessed correctly and won the $1 million prize

After a few lingering seconds, it was revealed that the pair had guessed correctly and won the $1 million prize

‘If I’m wrong, I’m so sorry,’ Kimmel said before locking in Spaghetti & Meatball as his own final answer. 

To be extra safe, Affleck and Ding decided to still call up Morrison.

‘Jimmy, you might like this friend of mine. I mean, Harvard-educated, father, we’re two years apart,’ Ding began. 

‘But we’ve been through a lot of trials and tribulations together. Just like Ben and Matt.’ 

With a deadpan expression, Kimmel then joked, ‘Are you looking for trouble?’ 

Ding then quickly fired back to go along with the joke by asking, ‘Are you looking for trouble?’ which caused the live audience to laugh. 

After calling Morrison, however, he was unable to guess the correct answer. 

‘But listen, you know what? He’s smart because if you don’t know it, you don’t know it, right?’ Kimmel said of Morrison. 

The money will be donated to Affleck's Eastern Congo Initiative which he co-founded with Whitney Williams in 2010; seen in May in Beverly Hills

The money will be donated to Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative which he co-founded with Whitney Williams in 2010; seen in May in Beverly Hills 

Affleck and Ding decided to trust Kimmel’s guess and also locked in with Spaghetti & Meatball. 

After a few lingering seconds, it was revealed that the pair had guessed correctly and won the $1 million prize. 

The pair jumped to their feet and excitedly hugged each other as confetti fell down onto the stage. 

Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Affleck for comment, but has yet to hear back.  

The money will be donated to Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative which he co-founded with Whitney Williams in 2010. 

The nonprofit organization helps ‘support locally led organizations to expand access to essential services, strengthen economic opportunities, and promote justice. 

‘Our work is designed to create scalable, sustainable impact across eastern Congo,’ per the official website. 

The year prior, Affleck's close friend and collaborator Matt Damon also scored the same million-dollar prize on the game show; seen in April in San Francisco

The year prior, Affleck’s close friend and collaborator Matt Damon also scored the same million-dollar prize on the game show; seen in April in San Francisco 

'But when I told him, he seemed surprised and delighted. I think he was prepared to do it on his own. He's very smart, that Ben Affleck,' Kimmel said of Affleck

‘But when I told him, he seemed surprised and delighted. I think he was prepared to do it on his own. He’s very smart, that Ben Affleck,’ Kimmel said of Affleck

The year prior, Affleck’s close friend and collaborator Matt Damon also scored the same million-dollar prize on the game show. 

At the time, The Odyssey star had been paired with Ken Jennings. The winnings went to Damon’s clean-water nonprofit Water.org. 

‘I’m not sure Ben knew that he was paired with a champion when he agreed to do the show,’ Kimmel told Variety earlier this month. 

‘But when I told him, he seemed surprised and delighted. I think he was prepared to do it on his own. He’s very smart, that Ben Affleck.’