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Exclusive: Restraining Order Drama Unfolds Between Taylor Frankie Paul and Ex Dakota Mortensen

In a recent development, Dakota Mortensen has successfully secured a temporary restraining order against his former partner, Taylor Frankie Paul, citing concerns for his immediate physical safety. This information, exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail, highlights the ongoing legal drama unfolding in Utah.

On Friday morning, authorities in Salt Lake City granted the restraining order, which prohibits the 31-year-old Paul from contacting Mortensen, who is 33, or their two-year-old son, Ever. This legal measure will remain in effect until a court hearing set for April 7.

The order imposes strict limitations on Paul, barring her from engaging in activities such as stalking or threatening Mortensen. Additionally, she is forbidden from any form of communication with him, including emails, underscoring the serious nature of the allegations.

Tensions between the couple, who have had a tumultuous on-and-off relationship, came to a head when a video surfaced online. The footage, from an incident in 2023, depicts a visibly intoxicated Paul attempting to put Mortensen in a headlock and later assaulting him with a metal barstool.

In it, a drunken Paul is seen trying to force Mortensen into a headlock before attacking him with a metal barstool.

Her daughter Indy, eight, is also seen in the harrowing clip and can be heard sobbing while curled up on the sofa.

Dakota Mortensen

Taylor Frankie Paul

Dakota Mortensen was granted a temporary restraining order against ex Taylor Frankie Paul 

A police report of the incident revealed that the child – then aged five – was hit during the altercation and had ‘a goose egg on her head’ as a result.

The previously unseen clip formed part of a felony prosecution for aggravated assault against Paul, and she subsequently struck a plea deal and was handed three years’ probation which expires in August.

Four other charges, including domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse, and criminal mischief, were dropped as part of the deal.

The video, which was first published by TMZ, has sparked a backlash and saw Paul’s season of the Bachelorette canned just three days before it was due to air.

In a statement, Disney executives blamed the decision on the clip and said their focus was on ‘supporting the family’.

The statement said: ‘In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family.’

Mortensen filed for a protective order in Utah, citing a new alleged incident that took place in February 2026, just two days before the video of the violent incident was made public

Mortensen filed for a protective order in Utah, citing a new alleged incident that took place in February 2026, just two days before the video of the violent incident was made public

Although the copyright is 2024, this mugshot has emerged showing the reality TV star posing for a police camera after she was arrested in February 2023

Although the copyright is 2024, this mugshot has emerged showing the reality TV star posing for a police camera after she was arrested in February 2023

The bombshell decision to can the show could cost ABC up to $28m, with filming costs for The Bachelorette totting up to $2m per episode.

Filming has also been halted on Paul’s other TV project – the fifth series of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives – after cast members reportedly told Hulu executives that they didn’t feel comfortable continuing to work with Paul.

In a statement released to the Daily Mail after the video surfaced, Paul claimed she had been the victim of abuse at Mortensen’s hand and said ‘there are too many women suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives’.

It continued: ‘Taylor is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.

‘After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.

‘There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives.

‘Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation and public shaming. 

‘She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.’

Mortensen, meanwhile, hit out in a statement to Entertainment Weekly in which he said his priority was the warring former couple’s toddler son.

A representative told the outlet: ‘His number one priority here is protecting their son, Ever. He knew there was a possibility it could come out, but he was not going to be the one to proactively do that because he has always wanted a decent relationship with Taylor.

‘It’s been really hard to achieve that, but he wants to co-parent well.’

The spokesman added: ‘He was just hoping that if he says nothing, as he usually does, it would go away. He’s never done any kind of sit-down interview about his side.

‘He kind of just lets it all happen to him, and I think he realizes with the severity of everything now that he just can’t do that.’

Paul and Mortensen have been in an off-on relationship since 2022 when the 31-year-old shot to public consciousness as part of a ‘soft swinging’ scandal that saw her admit to cheating on then husband Tate Paul.

The exes, who have a daughter and a son together, subsequently divorced.

Five Effective Daily Exercises to Enhance Back Strength Beyond Traditional Floor Workouts for Those Over 55

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Experts reveal five straightforward exercises to enhance your daily routine and boost back strength.

Developing a robust back should be a key focus in any fitness regimen. The muscles in your back are crucial for a wide range of movements, including twisting, bending, lifting, standing, walking, and running. Strengthening your back is vital for maintaining an active and independent lifestyle. Everyday activities such as tying your shoes or simply getting up from a dining chair rely heavily on having a strong back. To help you achieve this, we’ve gathered five exercises that can significantly enhance your back strength more effectively than traditional floor workouts, particularly for those over 55. It’s never too late to begin, and you’ll appreciate the benefits of a fortified back.

“After the age of 55, there’s a noticeable decline in muscle mass in the posterior chain, fascia becomes less hydrated and more restrictive, spinal discs compress, and deep stabilizing muscles often become inactive due to underuse,” states Chancy Gill, LMT, co-owner of Syringa Bodywork in Hayden, Idaho. “Years of sitting at a desk can weaken the glutes and shorten the hip flexors, forcing the lower back to bear a load it’s not designed to handle. This often results in stiffness, reduced mobility, chronic fatigue, and an increased risk of injury. Standard floor stretches and crunches typically don’t address these issues, especially if restricted fascia is hindering proper muscle function.”

For individuals over 55, the biggest obstacle to exercising isn’t usually a lack of motivation but rather comfort and accessibility. Traditional gym environments can be daunting or inconvenient, leading to irregular workout habits.

For those 55+, the most challenging barrier to exercise isn’t about motivation, but rather comfortability and accessibility. Traditional gym sessions can sometimes feel intimidating or inconvenient, which can cause inconsistency.

“At-home exercises eliminate these barriers, allowing people to train at their own pace in an environment that is comfortable,” explains Josh York, Founder & CEO, GYMGUYZ. “These workouts can also be tailored to ability and mobility levels, making them impactful for functional movements.”

Below, experts break down their top daily exercises that help restore back strength quicker than floor workouts.

Standing Hip Hinges

The standing hip hinge engages the hamstrings, lumbar extensors, and glutes.

“Hinge from the hips—not the waist—sending them back while keeping a long, neutral

spine. Drive through the heels to return,” explains Gill. “Repatterns the body to load the posterior chain instead of the lower back. Add light dumbbells as it becomes comfortable.”

  1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart.
  2. Place your hands behind your head.
  3. Press your hips back while maintaining a tall chest.
  4. As you hinge forward, feel a solid stretch in your hamstrings.
  5. Activate your hamstrings and glutes to drive your hips forward.
  6. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Resistance Band Rows

This exercise engages the lats, lower trapezius, and rhomboids.

“Anchor a band at chest height and pull both hands toward the ribcage, squeezing the

shoulder blades together at the end of each rep,” explains Gill. “The primary antidote to rounded-shoulder posture. Easily done seated if needed.”

  1. ​​Begin by anchoring a resistance band to a sturdy pole at chest level.
  2. Stand tall, facing the anchor point.
  3. Hold the handles with both hands.
  4. Bend your elbows and pull the band toward your body.
  5. Squeeze your shoulder blades together.
  6. Extend your arms back to the start position.
  7. Perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Standing Glute Kickbacks

 

This move fires up the hamstrings, glutes, and lumbar stabilizers.

  1. Begin standing tall with your hands placed on a sturdy chair back for balance.
  2. Maintain an upright spine as you extend one leg straight back—squeezing the glute at the top of the movement.
  3. Hold for one count before lowering with control.
  4. Perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps on each side.

Wall Pushups

“Wall pushups are modified pushups targeting the chest, shoulders, and arms,” York says.

  1. Begin standing tall, arms-length away from a wall.
  2. Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the surface.
  3. Engage your core and bend your elbows to lower your chest toward the wall.
  4. Press back up to the starting position, keeping the movement slow and controlled.
  5. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Chair Squats

“Chair squats are modified standard squats to aid in legs, glutes, and core strength,” York points out.

  1. Begin by standing tall in front of a sturdy chair with your feet hip-width apart on the ground.
  2. Activate your core and keep your chest lifted.
  3. Bend at the knees and hips and lower slowly into a squat—as if you’re about to sit down. Make sure your weight stays in your heels.
  4. Lightly touch the surface of the chair with your glutes.
  5. Press through your heels to rise back up.
  6. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Tragic Incident: Man Accused of Killing Estranged Partner and Young Son Amid Legal Dispute

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Background: The crime scene on the 9300 block of Ryan Place in Lexington, Minnesota (KSTP/YouTube). Inset: Irving Van Marsaw (Anoka County Jail).

A Minnesota man faces serious charges after allegedly murdering his estranged partner and her young son, mere hours following her announcement of pursuing legal action against him.

Irving Van Marsaw, aged 53, is accused of two counts of second-degree murder concerning the tragic deaths of 44-year-old Jennifer Sue Marsaw and her five-year-old son, Marzai Andrew Dawson. Currently, he is detained with bail set at $5 million.

According to a criminal complaint examined by Law&Crime, Irving Marsaw had a history of “assaulting” and making death threats against Jennifer Marsaw, with incidents reported as recently as March 3. Court documents further reveal a troubling pattern of abusive conduct.

In November 2025, Jennifer Marsaw sought a restraining order against her estranged partner, citing threats of harm if she failed to disclose her address, as reported by regional ABC affiliate KSTP. Her petition mentioned his attempts to manipulate her food support and disability benefits.

In a subsequent plea in February, Jennifer Marsaw requested another protective order, detailing threats made by the defendant to kill her and her children and alleging incidents of him entering her home uninvited and following her.

While both restraining orders were issued, records reviewed by KSTP show she asked for both to be withdrawn about a month after each was granted.

On March 17, Jennifer Marsaw “kicked Defendant out of the house after an argument involving Defendant holding a knife,” the criminal complaint states. The woman’s daughter said the last conversation she heard between the two was, at about 7 p.m., her mother “saying that Defendant better believe she was going to trial, to which Defendant responded, ‘Bet,’ and hung up.”

Hours later, after midnight, the daughter “went on a short walk outside” with two of her siblings. When they returned to their home on the 9300 block of Ryan Place in Lexington, Minnesota, about five minutes later, she heard several “pops.”

The daughter’s younger brother “ran into the home as Defendant walked out of the front door holding a handgun,” the complaint goes on. “Defendant made eye contact with her brother and paused as her brother ran into the home before Defendant ran to a shed on the property.”

Within a few seconds, the younger brother “came running out screaming that their mother and little brother were shot,” authorities stated. The daughter then assembled her siblings and “ran to a neighbor’s house” to call 911.

Officers with the Centennial Lakes Police Department arrived at the home at about 12:50 a.m. after the daughter had called and said her mother and brother “were shot inside their home” by a man named “Irving.” Officers noted that based on “prior contacts,” and with the description given, they identified their suspect as Irving Marsaw.

Police found Jennifer Marsaw “with apparent gunshot wounds to the chest.” Marzai, the 5-year-old boy, “was still breathing with apparent gunshot wounds to the chest and left arm.” He was brought to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“Officers immediately established a perimeter and located Defendant hiding in a wooded area a few blocks west with the use of a K9 unit,” the complaint states. Irving Marsaw was taken into custody at 1:33 a.m. Several hours later, authorities found a 9 mm handgun across the street behind the residence.

Police said that while in custody, Irving Marsaw “made several statements referencing the incident insinuating it was committed ‘in the heat of passion.’”

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy on both shooting victims and found that Jennifer Marsaw’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the chest “fired at contact range.” Marzai’s cause of death was determined to be “a gunshot wound to the back, fired at contact range.” The two “spent bullets” as well as an unspent round were found near the bodies.

Irving Marsaw was scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Friday, and he is set to return on April 14.

Gerhardt Konig Trial: Doctor Allegedly Attempts to Push Wife Off 700-Foot O‘ahu Cliff During Birthday Hike

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The trial of Gerhardt Konig, a former anesthesiologist, began with gripping testimony as a jury in Hawaii was presented with dramatic opening statements. Konig stands accused of attempting to murder his wife, Arielle Konig, during a hike on the picturesque yet perilous Pali Puka trail in Honolulu County.

Konig, age 47, faces serious charges of attempted murder and assault stemming from the events of March 24, 2025. The incident unfolded when the couple, who were on what was supposed to be a romantic outing, encountered turmoil on the trail, as previously reported by CrimeOnline.

In the courtroom, a 911 call played for the jury added a chilling dimension to the case. The call was made by a witness who described a violent scene that allegedly erupted when Arielle resisted taking a selfie near the cliff’s dangerous edge, provoking her husband’s wrath.

The situation was witnessed by two nurses, Sarah Buchsbaum and Amanda Morris, who were hiking in the area and stumbled upon the confrontation. Both women, strangers to the Konig couple, became crucial witnesses to the unfolding drama.

“911? Hi, someone’s currently being attacked on the top of Pali Puka,” Buchsbaum urgently reported during the emergency call, painting a vivid picture of the crisis for the jury.

“We heard her screaming ‘help, help, help me, help me’ and then we saw a man over her, and then she crawled out with blood on her face. He tried to kill her.”

The beginning of a hiking trail is seen where Hawaii doctor Gerhardt Konig allegedly attempted to kill his wife last month at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

The prosecution said the incident happened on Arielle’s birthday and her first trip to O‘ahu, planned by the defendant.

Konig grew enraged when Arielle became uncomfortable with the selfie request, telling her,”Go back over there, I’m so f—ing sick of you.”

As she began to walk away, Konig pushed her and began attacking her. He then allegedly injected her with “an unknown substance” using a syringe, according to court documents.

“Arielle still struggles, she still tries to take that vial out of his hands, and they keep fighting,” Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Joel Garner, said.

“He starts to take that rock and bash her in the head multiple times. Help, help, help is what Arielle says while the defendant is hitting her.”

Morris testified that she saw Konig hitting the victim with a rock, while Buchsbaum described seeing the defendant with a “cold, emotionless” stare.

Crime scene tape marks the hiking trail where Hawaii doctor Gerhardt Konig allegedly attempted to kill his wife last month at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Monday, April 7, 2025, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

Garner stated that Konig then phoned his 19-year-old son and admitted he “had tried to kill Arielle,” and would not make it back.

Konig fled the scene but officers with the Honolulu Police Department arrested him hours later near Pali Highway, after a foot pursuit.

Arielle was taken to an area hospital in critical but stable condition, with multiple face lacerations.

The defense argued that the hikers did not witness the entire incident and that Buchsbaum initially identified a different man in a police photo lineup.

Defense attorney Thomas Otake stated that Arielle attacked her husband first, Hawaii News Now reports.

Otake added that the defendant also felt his wife shove him.

“She picks up a rock and hits him in the face with it, and he quickly reacts, human reaction, grabs the rock, hits her twice, and stops,” Otake argued.

Following the attack, Arielle Konig secured a 180-day restraining order and filed for divorce. In a petition, she accused the defendant of previous sexual assault. She also claimed Konig had accused her of having an affair.

Meanwhile, the prosecution stated that authorities found multiple items of evidence on Konig’s laptop. One included internet forum posts regarding infidelity. He also looked up his wife’s financial information and divorce costs.

Konig who worked for “an independent entity contracted to provide medical services at various medical facilities on Maui,” was suspended amid the investigation, according to ABC 11.

Arielle Konig is scheduled to testify next week.

The trial continues. Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo via Facebook]

Tourist Arrested for Violating Bali’s Strict Regulations

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Bali authorities have issued a reminder to tourists to adhere to local regulations after a visitor was detained during a prominent holiday on the island.

The 57-year-old was detained by authorities at 7.15am yesterday while walking with luggage through the Gianyar Regency during Bali‘s Day of Silence, according to Indonesian National Police.
During the annual holiday, known as Nyepi, residents and visitors across the Indonesian island must stay indoors.
Indonesian police have issued a reminder to all tourists in Bali after the arrest of travellerKarl Adolf Amrhein was detained by local authorities at 7.15am yesterday morning while walking with luggage through the Gianyar Regency during Bali's annual day of silence.
Indonesian police have issued a reminder to all tourists in Bali after the arrest of a traveller. (National Indonesian Police)
Police on patrol in the area found the US tourist and took him to Sukawati Police Station.

The tourist informed the police that he had no choice but to walk from a villa in Ubud as his stay had ended.

He claimed to be unaware that transportation services were not available during this time.

Officers clarified the local regulations to the tourist and arranged temporary lodging for him at a nearby villa until his holiday concluded.

Chief Chandra Citra Kesuma of the Gianyar Sub-Regional Police emphasized that all international tourists should respect Bali’s traditional customs to ensure community harmony.

Nyepi is an important day on the Balinese calender which is a time for silence, fasting and meditation for Balinese Hindus.

Activities including work, travel, leisure and entertainment after prohibited between 6am and 6am the following day.

During the holiday, the streets of Bali are empty and the airport remains closed for the entire day.

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Government Shutdown Chaos: U.S. Airports Struggle with Severe Delays Amid Lengthy Security Lines

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Airports across the United States are in disarray as massive security lines emerge, a direct result of the persistent government shutdown.

With TSA employees not receiving their paychecks, security wait times have ballooned to approximately two hours at airports nationwide.

At Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the lines have grown so extensive that they now extend from the screening checkpoints all the way into the baggage claim area.

In Houston, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the line for TSA security snaked down an escalator, with wait times reaching up to 150 minutes.

New York’s LaGuardia Airport experienced lengthy queues as early as 4:50 a.m., with travelers overflowing into the parking lot as they waited.

The delays come as TSA staffing has been thinned by the shutdown, for which there is no immediate end in sight.

Agents have missed paychecks as a result, prompting a mass wave of callouts and even resignations that threaten to paralyze travel in the US.

As of this afternoon, 125 cancellations and more than 3,500 delays had been reported nationwide, per FlightAware.

Approximately 350,000 passengers to move through the Atlanta airport from yesterday, Thursday, through Sunday

Approximately 350,000 passengers to move through the Atlanta airport from yesterday, Thursday, through Sunday

Security waits for travelers reached around two hours on Friday, with the airport asking travelers to arrive up to three hours early or risk missing their flights

Security waits for travelers reached around two hours on Friday, with the airport asking travelers to arrive up to three hours early or risk missing their flights

More than 1,000 TSA workers are employed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, but many are calling out due to the ongoing government shutdown

More than 1,000 TSA workers are employed Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, but many are calling out due to the ongoing government shutdown

The partial government shutdown comes from a congressional deadlock over funding for the DHS, which oversees TSA

Atlanta’s airport employs more than 1,000 TSA workers, but at least a third of those have been unavailable at times this week.

Travelers have been urged to arrive at least three hours early, beyond the usual two-hour guidance, to avoid missing their flights.

However, one traveler said that the plea for an early arrival did not seem to matter.

‘I don’t think it’s going to be enough,’ Sydni Greer, who was traveling to Los Angeles, told Atlanta News First.

Another passenger said that the havoc caused by the TSA pay stop was evident.

‘I was checking in, and I was like, ‘Oh, it’s already [been] an hour thirty,” Cristal Brown, who was flying to Boston, said.

The timing is especially bad because it coincides with the spring break period during which lots of flights cross through the busiest travel hub in the US.

On Thursday, the callout rate at Atlanta’s airport soared to 38 percent, WRDW reported.

Upcoming spring breaks across Georgia and major global sporting events like the Masters golf tournament and the upcoming FIFA World Cup could further strain the airport if the shutdown continues. 

The Department of Homeland Security has said that many TSA officers cannot pay their rent, afford gas or buy food

The Department of Homeland Security has said that many TSA officers cannot pay their rent, afford gas or buy food

The TSA line at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport stretched down an escalator with waits reaching 150 minutes

The TSA line at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport stretched down an escalator with waits reaching 150 minutes

As of Friday afternoon, 2,951 delays and 112 cancellations have been reported across the United States

As of Friday afternoon, 2,951 delays and 112 cancellations have been reported across the United States 

About 50,000 TSA workers have been working without pay since February 14 because the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is shutdown. 

At least 366 agents nationwide have quit their jobs, the DHS said.

A longtime TSA worker said going without pay prevented some agents from traveling to work or supporting their families.

‘Whether it’s ‘I can’t put gas in my car,’ ‘I have to take care of my children,’ ‘I have to pay my light bill so that my lights won’t get cut off,’ … those are the reasons that officers are not showing up,’ Aaron Barker, president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 554 in Atlanta, said, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

‘Officers are scared,’ Barker added. ‘They don’t know what to do.’

The partial government shutdown stems from a congressional deadlock over funding for the DHS, which oversees TSA.

Democrats want changes to federal immigration enforcement, which US president Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have not agreed to.

In turn, many TSA workers ‘are coping with eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators and overdrawn bank accounts,’ Barker said.

‘The mental stress, it’s just unbearable,’ he added.

Airports with high average TSA callout rates during the shutdown include New York’s JFK International Airport, Houston Hobby and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Airports with high average TSA callout rates during the shutdown include New York’s JFK International Airport, Houston Hobby and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 

TSA workers make about $50,000 per year on average. Many have been left unable to pay for gas or food due to the shutdown

TSA workers make about $50,000 per year on average. Many have been left unable to pay for gas or food due to the shutdown

A traveller at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport showed that he waited more than one hour to get past TSA on Friday

A traveller at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport showed that he waited more than one hour to get past TSA on Friday

To date, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has had the highest average callout rate during the shutdown so far at 21.5 percent.

One of the four domestic security checkpoints at the airport has been closed most of this week, prompting even longer lines at the remaining lanes.

On Thursday, three of the four checkpoints in the domestic terminal were shuttered, leaving just the main checkpoint open.

Other airports with high average TSA callout rates during the shutdown include New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport at 21.4 percent, Houston Hobby at 21 percent and New Orleans at 16.5 percent, according to the DHS.

Those airports were also increasingly seeing delays and travel problems right before the weekend.

In New York, JFK’s worst wait times on Friday afternoon were estimated at 35 minutes. 

The airport posted a notice on its website urging travelers to expect even longer delays: ‘Due to the federal funding lapse, security wait times may be longer during certain periods.’ 

Newark Liberty International Airport in neighboring New Jersey was experiencing wait times of more than an hour.

The DHS has said that 'Democrats must end this madness' to bring an end to the government shutdown that threatens to halt nationwide travel

The DHS has said that ‘Democrats must end this madness’ to bring an end to the government shutdown that threatens to halt nationwide travel

As of Friday afternoon, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey reported wait times of more than an hour

As of Friday afternoon, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey reported wait times of more than an hour

Wait times to get past security have reached around two hours in some airports around the US, such as Houston's, after TSA workers’ pay was halted

Wait times to get past security have reached around two hours in some airports around the US, such as Houston’s, after TSA workers’ pay was halted 

In Houston, the Bush Intercontinental Airport has been forced to reduce TSA and pre-check service due to to the shortage of agents.

Call-outs at the Houston airport reached nearly 41 percent earlier this week, according to CBS.

On Friday, a security checkpoint wait time of up to two hours was estimated and shown to travelers at the airport.

Earlier this week, disruptions were also reported in Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver and other airports on both coasts. 

The travel madness is expected to continue for as long as TSA workers do not get paid.

‘They can’t afford to come in and they’re going to quit altogether,’ Adam Stahl, the TSA acting deputy administrator, told WSBTV. ‘That’s a serious concern.’

The DHS has also said that many TSA officers cannot pay their rent, afford gas or buy food because of the current shutdown.

TSA officers earn about $50,000 per year on average, according to The New York Times.

Some were having to sleep at airports since they could not commute home, according to the agency, which said that ‘Democrats must end this madness.’

Call-outs at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport airport reached nearly 41 percent earlier this week

Call-outs at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport airport reached nearly 41 percent earlier this week

The Trump administration has warned that the delays could get even worse unless lawmakers reach a compromise

The Trump administration has warned that the delays could get even worse unless lawmakers reach a compromise

Chicago O'Hare was among the airports that saw travel disruptions caused by the TSA shortage earlier this week. The Trump administration has warned the chaos could worsen

Chicago O’Hare was among the airports that saw travel disruptions caused by the TSA shortage earlier this week. The Trump administration has warned the chaos could worsen

Some of the major travel hubs hardest hit by Friday's delays and cancellations included Atlanta, Houston and New York

Some of the major travel hubs hardest hit by Friday’s delays and cancellations included Atlanta, Houston and New York

Earlier this week, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that TSA workers will miss another payment on March 27.

‘This is gonna look like child’s play, what’s happening right now,’ Duffy told CNBC on Thursday. 

He said that small airports could shut down unless lawmakers reach a solution to end the travel chaos.

‘You’re going to see extensive lines, and air travel’s going to come to a grid halt stop,’ Duffy said.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the US Department of Transportation for comment on the delays and the shutdown. 

Bachelorette Season 22 Winner Speaks Out Following Taylor Frankie Paul Drama (Spoiler Alert)

CONTENT WARNING: This article contains discussions of domestic violence and abuse.

WARNING! THIS ARTICLE REVEALS MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE BACHELORETTE SEASON 22! The 22nd season of The Bachelorette has been officially canceled following the resurfacing of a video from 2023, depicting an altercation between Taylor Frankie Paul and her former boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. In light of this, Doug Mason, who was rumored to be the winner, has decided to break his silence. Taylor, known for her influential online presence and her role in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, is a mother of three who faced legal troubles in 2023. She was arrested on misdemeanor charges, including aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse resulting in injury, and criminal mischief.

In August 2023, Taylor entered a guilty plea for the aggravated assault charge, while the remaining charges were dropped. She was subsequently sentenced to 36 months of probation. Fast forward to February 2026, Taylor and Dakota found themselves entangled in yet another domestic violence incident, with both parties leveling accusations against one another.

Taylor pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, but the other charges were dismissed, and she received 36 months of probation. In February 2026, Dakota and Taylor were involved in another domestic violence incident, in which they both made allegations against each other.

Three days before The Bachelorette season 22 was set to premiere on March 22, TMZ released a disturbing video of the 2023 incident, in which Taylor threw metal chairs at Dakota, one of which hit her then 5-year-old daughter from her first marriage to Tate Paul in the head. After the video was released, ABC made the decision to cancel The Bachelorette season 22.

Who Won Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette Season?

According to Reality Steve, one of Taylor’s 22 contestants, Doug Mason, a 28-year-old ocean lifeguard, got engaged to Taylor at the end of The Bachelorette season 22, which filmed from October 26 to December 19, 2025. Her runner-up was Shane Parton, a 28-year-old private wealth planner from Atlanta, Georgia.

However, in January 2026, Doug flew to Utah, and Taylor ended their engagement. Reality Steve claims that it was because of Dakota. As revealed in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 4 finale, Taylor and Dakota had spent the night together the night before she left to film The Bachelorette. Reality Steve reported that, as of his post on March 17, Taylor wasn’t with Doug or Dakota.

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Rumored Bachelorette Season 22 Winner Breaks Silence

The Bachelorette Season 22 Contestant Doug Mason Promotional Photo
Image via ABC

Doug spoke out on March 20, the day after ABC canceled Taylor’s Bachelorette season. In an Instagram story, he shared a video of himself driving in a car, in which he said, “Yo. Good morning, everybody. In light of everything that’s happened, I’m just sending out prayers to Taylor because that was her moment, and her moment was blocked. So, all we can do right now is just be hopeful. And I’m headed off to run, to watch the sunrise. So, hope you guys have a great day. Let’s stay positive, and show nothing but support for people in need. Cheers.”

Fans will likely never see The Bachelorette season 22, so they’ll never truly know what happened between Doug and Taylor. However, it’s beautiful to see that he’s wishing her well in her time of need. Doug obviously loved Taylor at some point if he proposed to her, so he must be concerned for her after everything that’s happened. This cancellation is unprecedented for The Bachelorette, so nobody really knows what to do, but it’s admirable that Doug is leading the way with kindness.

Sources: TMZ, Reality Steve/Instagram, Doug Mason/Instagram


The Bachelorette Season 19 Poster


Release Date

January 8, 2003

Network

ABC

Showrunner

Mike Fleiss

Directors

Mike Fleiss

Writers

Elan Gale



Three Individuals, Including Ex-U.S. Army Member from Ft. Gordon, Sentenced for Involvement in Alleged Espionage Scheme


AUGUSTA, Ga. – In a significant federal court ruling, three men have been sentenced after admitting to facilitating access for North Korean workers to U.S.-based computer networks.

The defendants each entered guilty pleas to charges of Wire Fraud Conspiracy, as announced by U.S. Attorney Margaret E. “Meg” Heap for the Southern District of Georgia on Friday.

Alexander Paul Travis, 35, received a 12-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to surrender $193,265. At the time of the offense, Travis was an active-duty soldier stationed at Fort Gordon, and he reportedly gained at least $51,397 from his involvement in the scheme.

Meanwhile, Jason Salazar, 30, from Clovis, California, and Audricus Phagnasay, 25, of Fresno, California, received sentences that included forfeitures of $409,879 and $681,926, respectively. Salazar and Phagnasay reportedly profited by at least $3,450 and $4,500 each.

The defendants admitted that they were approached by international information technology workers who requested their assistance. They allowed these workers to fabricate resumes with false credentials under the defendants’ names, facilitating the workers’ ability to secure remote jobs with U.S. companies. This deception enabled the workers to pass employer screenings, such as video interviews, drug tests, and fingerprinting. Additionally, bank accounts were opened in the defendants’ names to process payments from these U.S. employers.

Each then received a laptop computer from the company that hired the fictitious worker, and would install unauthorized software to enable the overseas IT worker to access the computers remotely, while appearing to work from the defendant’s address in the United States.

The fraudulent scheme resulted in approximately $1.28 million in salary payments from the victim U.S. companies, the vast majority of which were sent to the IT workers overseas.

“These defendants facilitated a scheme to deceive U.S. companies into hiring foreign remote IT workers,” said FBI Georgia Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to expose and mitigate these fraudulent IT schemes and provide support to victims of North Korean cyber actors.”

The FBI Augusta (Georgia) Resident Agency is investigating the cases, and the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Alexander Hamner for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Jacques Singer-Emery of the NSD National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the cases.

Ultimate March Madness 2026: Expert Picks & Winning Predictions for Friday’s Round of 64

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One of the exciting aspects of March Madness is spotting which teams are becoming fan favorites and deciding whether to jump on the bandwagon or bet on the opposite outcome for potential value.

UCLA, seeded seventh, is gaining attention as a possible underdog capable of making a significant impact in the East Region. To live up to this hype, the Bruins must first overcome No. 10 seed UCF in a Friday evening showdown in Philadelphia.

Bookmakers seem confident in UCLA’s chances, as Mick Cronin’s team is favored by 5.5 points—the largest point spread among the four 7-10 matchups in the tournament.

UCLA vs. UCF odds, prediction

The enthusiasm surrounding UCLA is justified by their impressive late-season performance.

Following heavy losses to Michigan and Michigan State, the Bruins bounced back remarkably, winning six out of their next seven games before narrowly losing to Purdue in the Big Ten semifinals.

That stretch saw UCLA collect wins over Illinois, Nebraska and Michigan State, all of whom are higher seeds than the Bruins in the Big Dance.


UCF Knights guard Themus Fulks (1) goes to the basket.
Themus Fulks and UCF enter the tournament in poor form. Mike Watters-Imagn Images

UCF’s current form is on the other end of the spectrum.

The Knights limp into the tournament as losers of four of their last five and seven of their last 11.

The schedule they faced was a brute, but it’s not like they’ll be taking on a shrinking violet on Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

What’s more is that UCF’s glaring weakness, a defense that sits outside of KenPom’s top 100, matches up with the strength of UCLA.

The Bruins are a terrific offensive outfit, ranking 22nd in the country per KenPom.


Betting on College Basketball?


Sometimes there are reasons to be dubious of trendy teams early in the tournament, but other times it’s logical.

We’ll back the Bruins to get the job done with ease Friday.

The Play: UCLA -5.5 (-110, bet365)


Why Trust New York Post Betting

Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.

Joliet Detective Peter Ranstead Convicted of Domestic Violence in Woodiris Drive Case, Court Determines

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A Joliet police detective has been found guilty of domestic violence, following accusations stemming from an incident in 2024. The verdict was delivered by a judge on Thursday.

According to police officials, officers responded to a call shortly after midnight on September 28, 2024, at a residence in the 1100 block of Woodiris Drive. The call reported a domestic disturbance at the location.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that the incident involved a confrontation between a woman and her husband, identified as off-duty Joliet police detective Peter Ranstead, who was 41 years old at the time of the incident.

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Joliet police officials said officers responded just after midnight September 28, 2024 to a home in the 1100-block of Woodiris Drive for a report of a domestic disturbance.

When they arrived, they learned a confrontation had taken place there involving a woman and her husband, off-duty Joliet police detective Peter Ranstead, who was 41 at the time, police said.

During an argument, Ranstead grabbed the woman and pushed her, causing her to hit her head, police said. When she tried to call 911, Ranstead took her phone away, according to Joliet police.

The woman was eventually able to call 911. Ranstead was not at home when officers arrived.

Ranstead was charged in a Kendall County warrant with domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence, police said.

He turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office in Yorkville, police said.

Ranstead was placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

He will be back in court April 17 for sentencing.

Joliet police released the following statement in 2024:
“The Joliet Police Department holds itself to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. When these standards are not met, we not only compromise our legitimacy but also erode the public’s trust. The community expects us to lead by example, and when one of our own fails to meet these expectations, it affects us all. Being a police officer is not just a job, it is a calling that requires each of us to live a life without reproach. I expect my Officers to embody the values of integrity, respect, and fairness in both their personal and professional lives. This is critical not only to maintain the trust of the public but also to preserve the honor of wearing the badge. When any officer fails to uphold these principles, it diminishes the hard work and dedication of all those who serve honorably. Our duty stands now to remain committed to transparency and impartiality and ensure that justice is served,” Joliet police said in a statement.

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