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Discover Chef Rhoda Magbitang: Age, Ethnic Roots & Her Journey on Top Chef

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Discover Chef Rhoda Magbitang: Age, Ethnic Roots & Her Journey on Top Chef

Rhoda Magbitang Biography – Rhoda Magbitang Wiki

Rhoda Magbitang holds the esteemed position of Executive Chef at CanoeHouse, located within the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection in Hawaii. Before this role, she showcased her culinary expertise at several prestigious hotels, including the Petit Ermitage, Chateau Marmont, and The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern. Now, the Antipolo-born chef is competing on the 2026 season of Top Chef.

Growing up as the eldest of six children in the Philippines, Rhoda’s passion for cooking was ignited in her family’s kitchen. She was inspired by her grandmother’s food stall and the traditional Filipino cuisine she was taught to prepare from a young age. With household chores divided among the family, Rhoda chose to take charge of cooking, a role she embraced wholeheartedly.

At 17, Rhoda relocated to the United States, where she initially pursued a career in early childhood education. However, her passion for cooking led her to enroll at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, California, to hone her culinary skills.

Throughout her career, Rhoda has worked in some of the nation’s most acclaimed kitchens, including the Michelin-starred Mélisse, Suzanne Goin’s A.O.C., République, and Bazaar by José Andrés. Her role as Executive Chef at Chateau Marmont marked a significant milestone, followed by her leadership at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Collection, where she earned recognition from the Michelin Guide.

Currently, Rhoda is the first female Executive Chef at CanoeHouse at Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection. She is renowned for her innovative approach to Hawaiian Regional cuisine, infusing Japanese-inspired techniques with modern Hawaiian flavors. Her dedication to sustainability and seasonality remains a cornerstone of her culinary philosophy.

Rhoda Magbitang Age

Rhoda Magbitang was born in Antipolo, Philippines. She now lives in Kailua-Kona, HI.

Rhoda Magbitang Top Chef

Rhoda Magbitang is a contestant on Top Chef Season 23 on Bravo. The series sees host Kristen Kish, head judge Tom Colicchio and perennial judge Gail Simmons venture south to the Carolinas! Season 23 is centered in the emerging and eclectic culinary hub of Charlotte, N.C., with several episodes in Greenville, S.C.

For the first time in Top Chef history, the Season 23 contestants include life partners, Jennifer Lee Jackson and Justin Tootla, who co-own and operate a restaurant, as well as a pair of highly competitive identical twin brothers, Jonathan and Brandon Dearden.

Ethnicity

Rhoda is of Filipino heritage.

Instagram

Rhoda Magbitang’s Instagram handle is @rockyrhodakill.

Widow of Late Mohbad Speaks Out After 20-Year Silence Amidst DNA Controversy with Father-in-Law

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Widow of Late Mohbad Speaks Out After 20-Year Silence Amidst DNA Controversy with Father-in-Law

A new chapter unfolds as Wunmi, the widow of the late Afrobeats artist Mohbad, finally speaks out amidst the swirling DNA controversy involving her father-in-law, Joseph Aloba.

Olawunmi has found herself in the spotlight due to a highly publicized dispute with Joseph Aloba concerning the paternity of her son, Liam.

Joseph Aloba has insisted on conducting a DNA test to confirm Liam’s parentage, while Wunmi maintains her willingness to proceed with the test, accusing her father-in-law of hindering the process.

‎Wunmi Breaks Silence

In a TikTok livestream, Olawunmi expressed her indifference to her father-in-law’s tactics, stressing the importance of him following the court’s directive, which includes apologizing to her.

She warned that non-compliance with the court’s order would only extend their ongoing conflict.

‎”If you are not going back to that, we will be in this battle for too long. 20 years, I’m still here. You have no power over Liam”, She firmly stated.

According to Wunmi, she initially requested a DNA test, but decided to remain silent amid recent rumors about Liam’s DNA test.

The mother of one claimed that her father-in-law never informed her about conducting a DNA test on Liam, while venting about it online.

“Everybody has family issues that they are dealing with. You never wanted it from the beginning. The next thing you did was going to my lawyer was to serve them“,She added.

Listen below….

@joshua.ikere

Wunmi Aloba Came On Temmie’s Platform To Clear The Air About The Recent DNA Court Sitting. She Also Reaffirmed That She Is The Only Person With The Legal Right Over Her Son, Liam. She Stated That Baba Mohbad Will Only Be Allowed To Conduct A Private DNA Test After The Court-ordered DNA Result Is Released. She Also Added That Jossy Must Publicly Apologised To Liam Before She Will Consider Allowing Him To Conduct Any DNA Test Involving Liam. PART 1 #fyp #justiceformohbad #babamohbad #c33why #saynotowidowvictimization

♬ Glorious Motion (STEM bass) – Klanglobby / BMGPM

 

Tensions Escalate: Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives of Lebanese Security Personnel Amidst Israel-Hezbollah Clashes

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Tensions Escalate: Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives of Lebanese Security Personnel Amidst Israel-Hezbollah Clashes


BEIRUT – Escalating hostilities erupted on Friday between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants based in Lebanon, just days before planned talks between Israel and the Lebanese government. These discussions are scheduled to commence next week.

In a recent Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon, at least 13 members of Lebanon’s State Security forces lost their lives. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for an attack on a naval base in Ashdod, an Israeli port city approximately 90 miles from the border.

Israel conducted multiple strikes in various southern Lebanese towns, including a notable one on a government facility in Nabatieh, which resulted in the death of government security officials. In retaliation, Hezbollah reported 31 assaults on northern Israel and Israeli ground troops stationed in southern Lebanon.

This latest wave of Israeli airstrikes and ground invasion into southern Lebanon follows Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel, which were launched in support of Iran, its principal ally, on March 2.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reports a death toll of at least 1,888 people due to Israeli strikes. A devastating blitz of 100 attacks in just 10 minutes on Wednesday claimed at least 303 lives, marking the conflict’s deadliest day, with strikes hitting densely populated residential and commercial areas in central Beirut. Rescue teams continue to search for those trapped under the debris in the capital.

Meanwhile, officials at Beirut’s main government-run hospital on the southern edge of the capital fear it could be in the line of fire after the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for the surrounding suburbs, including the busy neighborhood of Jnah where the hospital is located. Israel has launched attacks in Jnah, both with and without warning.

The World Health Organization has since called for the Rafik Hariri University Hospital to be spared from attacks and not to evacuate, and WHO officials said Friday that they received assurances that it would not be struck. The hospital has not evacuated, though staff are fearful, as getting to work now requires them to drive on roads that can be struck at any time says Dr. Mohammad Cheaito, who heads the emergency department.

“The entire zone around the hospital was threatened and deemed dangerous,” he told the AP. “But at the end of the day, we have a humanitarian duty.”

Lebanon hopes for truce while Hezbollah supporters reject talks

Lebanon’s authorities have not yet commented on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement on Thursday of the decision to go ahead with talks. Netanyahu said the talks would revolve around disarming Hezbollah and establishing “peaceful relations” between the two countries.

A Lebanese official in government familiar with the developments said that a halt in the fighting is a critical condition for the country to engage in direct talks with Israel, similar to the one between the U.S. and Iran. It has yet to appoint a representative for negotiations. They spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had initially proposed the direct talks early on in the war on similar terms, at the time hoping for Israel to stop an escalation in airstrikes and to not invade the country. At the time, with only the backing of France, that failed.

On Wednesday, the U.S. and Iran announced a temporary ceasefire in the war that began on Feb. 28. It included Lebanon and other countries impacted in the wider regional conflict, mediator Pakistan announced. However, Israel — and later the United States — denied this. They want to separate the diplomatic tracks of the two wars.

Hezbollah considers Israel’s attacks on Lebanon to be a violation of the ceasefire, while Beirut, in a bid to disarm Hezbollah and assert its full sovereignty over the country, says it wants to be included in talks related to Lebanon.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Kassem in a statement broadcast Thursday did not directly mention the prospect of Israel-Lebanon talks, but called on the Lebanese government to “stop giving free concessions” to Israel.

Dozens of supporters of the Iran-backed group protested outside of the Lebanese prime minister’s office in central Beirut. They see the scheduled direct talks as a surrender to Israel, which says its troops will stay in the country indefinitely.

“Our blood has been spilled on this land, and our state is conspiring against us,” said protester Hassan Shuaib. “Our state wants to kill us; our state wants to strip us of our weapons.”

———

Associated Press producer Malak Harb and video journalist Fadi Tawil in Beirut contributed to this report.

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

Chicago Father Fatally Attacked Outside Bar; Police Seek Four Individuals for Investigation

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Chicago Father Fatally Attacked Outside Bar; Police Seek Four Individuals for Investigation

A Chicago father, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his second child, faced a tragic end when he was brutally attacked outside a bar. Authorities are now on the hunt for four individuals believed to be connected to the incident.

Alexander “Xander” Kazanowski, aged 25, was discovered lying unresponsive on the pavement with severe head injuries. The incident took place near a bar in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood in the early hours of March 24, as reported by Cook County Crime Stoppers.

Upon discovery, the Chicago Police Department swiftly transported Kazanowski to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries while in critical condition.

Kazanowski, who pursued a career as a model in Illinois, reportedly faced expulsion from the bar following some remarks he made, according to a report by WGN-TV.

Alexander Kazanowski

Images from Kazanowski’s Facebook page capture moments of his life, now serving as a poignant reminder of the devastating loss his family and friends are grappling with.

The Chicago Police Department opened a homicide investigation, sharing video of the four persons of interest they would like to question.

The individuals were described as three African American men, and one Asian woman.

One wore a black jacket, a black baseball hat, and blue jeans. The second man wore a black jacket, a white hooded sweatshirt, and black pants. The third man wore a blue jacket, blue jeans, and a brown winter hat.

And the woman was wearing a black jacket and white pants.

Four persons of interest

Authorities are searching for four “persons of interest” in connection with a murder on March 24 in Chicago, Illinois. (Cook County Crime Stoppers)

The security cameras captured the four individuals entering the bar, Tune-Up, the night of the alleged attack, according to video released by the Chicago Police Department. It was not clear if the video was before or after the alleged assault.

The Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible.

Alexander Kazanowski

Alexander “Xander” Kazanowski, 25, died of blunt force trauma after he was found unresponsive on March 24.  (Facebook/Alexander Kazanowski)

Kazanowski was the father of one daughter, Thea, and a soon-to-be-born son, John, according to his obituary.

He grew up in South Barrington, Illinois, and was a wrestler in middle and high school. At 19, he founded his first company, Wurk Services, and he was also an actor and model, his obituary said.

“Xander’s story is not defined by the years he was given, but by the vigor with which he filled them,” his obituary said. “True to his character, his final act was a perfect expression of his generous heart. As an organ donor, he saved multiple lives and helped countless others move closer to the miracle of a second chance.”

Anyone with information on the individuals being sought in connection with Kazanowski’s death is asked to contact Grand Central Area detectives at 312-746-6614. Tipsters who wish to remain can submit information to CPDTIP.com, using reference number JK192078, or call the Cook County Crime Stoppers at 800-535-7867.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Chicago Police Department for additional information.

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Search Intensifies for Missing Rocket Scientist Tied to Crucial Defense Innovations

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Search Intensifies for Missing Rocket Scientist Tied to Crucial Defense Innovations

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of a rocket scientist has deepened, revealing intriguing connections to a unique patent linked to sophisticated U.S. launch systems.

Monica Jacinto Reza, a 60-year-old aerospace expert, vanished on June 22 of last year while hiking in the San Gabriel Wilderness area within the Angeles National Forest. She was last observed at approximately 9:10 a.m. local time.

Reports from the forum EISPIRATEN tell of a man who was hiking roughly 30 feet ahead of Reza on the trail leading to Waterman Mountain’s summit. He turned back only to find that she had mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

Fellow hikers note that Reza was equipped with a backpack, which is thought to have contained several liters of water, at the time of her disappearance.

The investigation has taken on new significance as public records shed light on Reza’s involvement in developing cutting-edge aerospace materials associated with high-performance propulsion systems. This revelation raises questions about whether her professional work could be linked to her sudden disappearance.

Records show she is the only surviving co-creator of a 2010 patent filed with Dallis Ann Hardwick, who died of cancer in 2014, for a specialized metal designed to resist burning while remaining incredibly strong under extreme heat.

She was also credited as a co-inventor of Mondaloy, a nickel-based superalloy later used in key components of advanced propulsion systems developed through US Air Force and NASA-backed research programs.

Reza spent decades working at Rocketdyne, later part of Aerojet Rocketdyne, a major aerospace contractor involved in government propulsion programs, while retired US Major General William Neil McCasland, who oversaw related Air Force research portfolios, also went missing in June 2025.

Monica Jacinto Reza, 60, was last seen hiking in the rugged San Gabriel Wilderness area within the Angeles National Forest on the trail to Waterman Mountain summit on June 22 last year

Monica Jacinto Reza, 60, was last seen hiking in the rugged San Gabriel Wilderness area within the Angeles National Forest on the trail to Waterman Mountain summit on June 22 last year

Records show she is the only surviving co-creator of a patent filed in 2010 with Dallis Ann Hardwick, who died of cancer in 2014, for a specialized metal designed to resist burning while remaining incredibly strong under extreme heat

Records show she is the only surviving co-creator of a patent filed in 2010 with Dallis Ann Hardwick, who died of cancer in 2014, for a specialized metal designed to resist burning while remaining incredibly strong under extreme heat

Reza and McCasland are among nine recent cases involving scientists with ties to aerospace, defense or nuclear research whose deaths or disappearances have drawn public attention.

Mondaloy was later used in the development of the AR1 rocket engine, a US-built system designed to replace Russian-made RD-180 engines previously used on United Launch Alliance rockets, part of a broader effort to reduce America’s reliance on foreign propulsion systems.

Unlike older materials that were either strong but prone to burning or burn-resistant but weak, the alloy created by Reza and her colleague was designed to do both – remain durable while resisting ignition under extreme stress.

The metal is primarily made of nickel, strengthened with smaller amounts of cobalt, chromium, aluminum and titanium, allowing it to withstand the intense heat and pressure produced during rocket launches.

According to the patent, the material was intended for use in critical engine components such as turbines, ducts and fuel systems, where failure could lead to catastrophic damage.

Materials like Mondaloy are used in rocket engines that power launches carrying military satellites, missile-warning systems and other highly sensitive payloads into orbit, missions known as national security launches because they support US defense and intelligence systems.

Reza’s work received funding and development support from the US Air Force Research Laboratory, which was commanded at one point by retired US Major General William Neil McCasland.

McCasland later went missing in June 2025, prompting a separate investigation that remains ongoing.

According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, McCasland was last seen speaking with a repairman at his home around 10am before his wife left the residence about an hour later.

Reza's technology helped create the AR1 engine, set to replace Russian RD-180 engines on United Launch Alliance rockets

Reza’s technology helped create the AR1 engine, set to replace Russian RD-180 engines on United Launch Alliance rockets

US Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland, 68, who was in the UFO community, went missing in February after leaving on a hike near his New Mexico home

US Air Force Major General William Neil McCasland, 68, who was in the UFO community, went missing in February after leaving on a hike near his New Mexico home

When she returned shortly after noon, the house was empty, with his phone, prescription glasses and wearable devices left behind.

Investigators noted that his hiking boots and a .38-caliber revolver were missing and he was reported missing later that afternoon.

Search teams later discovered a US Air Force sweatshirt roughly one mile from the residence, though officials have not confirmed whether it belonged to McCasland.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed foul play in the case, and the investigation remains active.

Another mysterious case involves Michael David Hicks, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who died on July 30, 2023, at the age of 59. Officials have not publicly alleged foul play in his death.

Reports also highlighted the death of NASA scientist Frank Maiwald, who died on July 4, 2024, in Los Angeles at the age of 61. Authorities confirmed that no autopsy was performed and the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

Michael David Hicks was a research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory prior to his death in 2023

Michael David Hicks was a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory prior to his death in 2023

Frank Maiwald was a researcher at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory before his death in 2024. His cause of death has not been revealed and NASA has not commented on the loss

Carl Grillmair was killed by a gunshot wound while on his front porch in California. The California Institute of Technology scientist had been involved with the same technology the military uses to track hypersonic missiles

Frank Maiwald (left) and Carl Grillmair had deep ties to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab in California before both men died within the last two years

Maiwald had worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory since 1999 and contributed to projects involving advanced satellite technology capable of scanning Earth and other planetary bodies.

Anthony Chavez, a former employee at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), disappeared on May 4, 2025. Police in Los Alamos said the search for Chavez, 79, remains ongoing with no new information released nearly a year later.

Since 2024, several additional scientists connected to aerospace research have died under separate circumstances.

Melissa Casias worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, a long-running nuclear research facility, before disappearing on June 26 last year

Melissa Casias worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, a long-running nuclear research facility, before disappearing on June 26 last year

Anthony Chavez was an employee at the Los Alamos National Laboratory until 2017. He disappeared without a trace in May last year

Anthony Chavez was an employee at the Los Alamos National Laboratory until 2017. He disappeared without a trace in May last year

Jason Thomas was found dead after being pulled from a Massachusetts lake on March 17. He had been missing since December 12

Jason Thomas was found dead after being pulled from a Massachusetts lake on March 17. He had been missing since December 12

Melissa Casias has not been seen since June 26 last year, when her family said she uncharacteristically decided to work from home, but was last spotted miles from their house walking alone without her wallet, phone or keys.

Casias, 54, was an administrative assistant at LANL.

The news came about astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, 67, who was shot and killed at his California home on February 16. 

The California Institute of Technology researcher had worked on major NASA-supported telescope missions, including the Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer and NEO Surveyor programs.

Those projects used infrared detection systems capable of tracking asteroids, technology that shares similarities with systems used to monitor satellites and hypersonic missiles.

Nuno Loureiro was leading efforts to create fusion energy, a form of clean energy that could upend the multi-trillion-dollar fossil fuel energy industry

Nuno Loureiro was leading efforts to create fusion energy, a form of clean energy that could upend the multi-trillion-dollar fossil fuel energy industry

While serving as commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, McCasland oversaw programs related to space surveillance and infrared tracking systems.

Two additional researchers in Massachusetts were also found dead in separate incidents. Nuno Loureiro, a scientist working on nuclear fusion research, was shot in his Brookline home last year.

Jason Thomas, a pharmaceutical researcher studying cancer treatments at Novartis, was later found dead in a Wakefield lake on March 17 after disappearing months earlier.

Authorities have not publicly linked the cases, and officials in several investigations have said there is no confirmed evidence suggesting foul play beyond the circumstances already reported.

Police Report: Woman Fatally Stabs Fiance with Pastry Chef Knife in Desperate Moment

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Police Report: Woman Fatally Stabs Fiance with Pastry Chef Knife in Desperate Moment

Background: News footage of the home in Green Bay, Wis., where Tonia Piontek allegedly stabbed her fiance on April 13, 2025 (WBAY). Inset: Tonia Piontek (Brown County Sheriff”s Office).

A Wisconsin woman appeared in court this week as her legal journey continues over charges related to the fatal stabbing of her fiancé last year.

Tonia Piontek, aged 46, faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide, with additional allegations of domestic violence and use of a deadly weapon, following the death of her 41-year-old fiancé in April 2025. The victim’s identity remains undisclosed to the public. During a court session in Brown County, Wisconsin, on Thursday, local Fox affiliate WLUK revealed that Piontek’s defense lawyer is negotiating a plea agreement but is awaiting an evaluation from a domestic violence expert.

As reported in a criminal complaint accessed by local ABC affiliate WBAY, Piontek claimed that she acted in self-defense, using a knife during the altercation.

Further insights into the complaint, shared by local CBS affiliate WFRV, indicate that Piontek was the one who called 911 at 10 p.m. on April 13, 2025. During the emergency call, she reportedly stated, “I just stabbed my boyfriend, I don’t think he’s okay. Someone needs to get here now!”

In the call, Piontek described a fight with her fiancé, saying, “He came at me,” and explained that she often kept a knife nearby for protection. She added, “I didn’t know what else to do, he’s a lot bigger than me.”

Piontek told dispatchers that she and her fiance had been drinking that day when they started arguing before the alleged stabbing. Police said Piontek’s neighbor heard the fight, as well as a door slamming, and someone stomping around the home. The same neighbor told police that he often heard the couple arguing and had called 911 on them before.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Piontek, who rolled up her sleeves to show them bruising on her forearms. She described the bruises as “just normal for me.” According to the complaint, Piontek told police that she had friends who were lawyers and would not make any comments until she had an attorney.

Police said they found Piontek’s fiance on the floor of the home’s kitchen with a knife in his neck and lying in a pool of blood. While the complaint said the knife was found in the man’s neck, the autopsy stated that he died of a stab wound to the chest. Piontek allegedly told police that she used a “pastry chef knife” in the stabbing.

Throughout her court proceedings, Piontek’s defense attorney argued that his client was a victim of domestic violence. At a previous hearing in December 2025, the attorney said he wanted to provide testimony from a domestic violence expert before a plea agreement was reached.

Piontek is charged with first-degree intentional homicide with modifiers for domestic violence and use of a deadly weapon. She is still in custody at the Brown County Jail, where she is being held on $1 million cash bond. Her next court appearance was scheduled for Aug. 17.

Must-Have Beauty Picks from Sephora’s Savings Event: Top Eyeliner, Beloved CC Cream, and More

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Must-Have Beauty Picks from Sephora’s Savings Event: Top Eyeliner, Beloved CC Cream, and More


These items truly justify their place in our collections.

While the editors at Page Six thrive on uncovering celebrity shopping secrets, our own beauty regimens are just as important to us. With the Sephora Savings Event launching today, we’ve eagerly stocked up on our beloved essentials.

We’ve curated a selection of “tried and true” Korean CC creams, sunscreens adored by celebrities that perform flawlessly beneath makeup, and lip glosses that deliver a luxurious sheen. Additionally, there’s “the ultimate hair oil,” and a moisturizer so impressive, it earned a double thumbs-up from our editors.

This major annual event kicks off on April 10 for Rouge members and becomes accessible to everyone else on April 14. (And don’t forget to use the code…)

Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping

This article is crafted by Erica Radol, Page Six Commerce Reporter. Known for uncovering the most effective anti-aging skincare secrets favored by celebrities, reporting on the latest fashion partnerships, and scoring deals on all the above, Erica excels in evaluating Hollywood’s top-selling fashion and beauty products. Prior to joining Page Six in 2025, she contributed to Us Weekly, The Daily Beast, Entertainment Tonight, Well+Good, and Hearst, covering entertainment, lifestyle, and shopping trends.

Kristi Noem Faces Renewed Embarrassment Amid Husband’s Scandal: Political Fallout Intensifies

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Kristi Noem Faces Renewed Embarrassment Amid Husband’s Scandal: Political Fallout Intensifies

In the wake of a diplomatic transition facilitated by Donald Trump, Kristi Noem finds herself facing a troubling exodus of staff. Even before some of her key team members could settle into their roles, they have been sidelined, casting a shadow over her new tenure.

Reports indicate that four officials have been placed on administrative leave at the directive of the White House. This abrupt move has left Noem’s Shield of the Americas office, where she previously served as Homeland Security chief, noticeably deserted. The Daily Mail has uncovered that Noem has also retreated from the public eye amid these developments.

The individuals affected include former deputy chief of staff Troup Hemenway, ex-deputy general counsel Giovanna Cinelli, along with junior staffers Josh King and Octavian Miller, as confirmed by sources.

Senior officials within the State Department revealed that Noem managed to conduct only a single meeting this week, opting for a virtual format. Her remaining team members are either scattered across the main State Department headquarters or are opting to work remotely, further illustrating the disarray.

With her team significantly reduced and a clear strategy yet to emerge, insiders suggest that Kristi Noem’s prospects in her current role are uncertain, casting doubt on her future within the administration.

‘This post was intended as a soft landing so it didn’t look like Noem was immediately being fired,’ a State Department source told the Daily Mail.

‘But no one really thinks she should have this job,’ the source added. ‘The State Department was not happy to have her here and the understanding is that she’s not going to be here for much longer.’

Noem was fired as Homeland Security Secretary in early March, losing her post atop the nation’s largest law enforcement agency.

But Noem’s astonishing fall from grace was still far from complete.

Sources tell us at least four officials who followed Noem from DHS were placed on administrative leave at her new office, the Daily Mail can now reveal

Sources tell us at least four officials who followed Noem from DHS were placed on administrative leave at her new office, the Daily Mail can now reveal

The Daily Mail revealed Kristi Noem's husband Bryon Noem is a secret crossdresser who exchanges photos of himself online wearing giant fake breasts

The Daily Mail revealed Kristi Noem’s husband Bryon Noem is a secret crossdresser who exchanges photos of himself online wearing giant fake breasts 

For the new State Department gig, she became the subject of mockery when photos surfaced of her in Guyana sitting next to her lover Corey Lewandowski at a table with the nation’s president and other government leaders.

Then a bigger bombshell dropped last week when the Daily Mail published photos of her crossdressing husband, Bryon, that he had sent to online fetish models.

The scandal sparked national security concerns because her husband’s activity opened her up to blackmail as head of Homeland Security. 

The scandals that have rocked her personal life were only compounded by Noem’s spiraling political career.

Her new office was established to combat drug cartels, international criminal organizations, and migrant crime in the Western Hemisphere by coordinating with Homeland Security, the State Department, and Pentagon.

However, along with Noem’s embarrassing debut in Guyana, there were simply no clear roles or responsibilities for many of the staff brought over, sources tell the Daily Mail.

‘The thing itself is still being figured out,’ one Trump official familiar with the matter told the Daily Mail. ‘It doesn’t make sense to just have a bunch of folks not really having a substantive role.

‘The administrative leave, if anything, is an opportunity for folks to figure out what they’re doing, whether that be with the Shield of the Americas, the State Department, or wherever else, while the big picture starts to sort itself out.’

Her indignity is laid bare inside her new offices, a stripped-down operation that bears little resemblance to the sprawling agency she commanded at DHS.

Mr Noem supports his wife last month by sitting dutifully behind her at a congressional hearing scrutinizing her aggressive immigration enforcement tactics

Mr Noem supports his wife last month by sitting dutifully behind her at a congressional hearing scrutinizing her aggressive immigration enforcement tactics

This post was intended as a soft landing so it didn’t look like Noem was immediately being fired,’ a State Department source told the Daily Mail of the newly-created Shield of the Americas

This post was intended as a soft landing so it didn’t look like Noem was immediately being fired,’ a State Department source told the Daily Mail of the newly-created Shield of the Americas

The once highly public personality, who earned the nickname ICE Barbie for her glamorous looks, outfit changes and reality TV leadership at DHS, had her belongings packed up from headquarters.

She and her dwindled inner circle then moved into a building housing the Institute for Peace, an outfit that had plenty of spare space after being gutted by Elon Musk and his team of downsizers at DOGE.

The growing promise of a vibrant new agency, celebrated March 7 at an inaugural summit at Trump Doral Miami, is already giving way to a stark reality.

Multiple State Department and administration sources told the Daily Mail the office has struggled to get off the ground, with few staff even showing up for an operation marked by inactivity and uncertainty.

Officials in the State Department have been less than welcoming of their new colleagues, believing there is no real need for Noem’s outfit given that her marching orders could be handled by other staffers, sources say. 

Rather than build out a functioning team, the administration appears to have paused and reassessed, leaving key hires in limbo.

A source told the Daily Mail that Noem’s personal office is smaller than her one at DHS. She’s decorated it with memorabilia from her time leading Homeland Security, including different hats she wore as secretary.

The rest of her staffers’ desks are sparsely decorated.

Noem has withdrawn from public view after photos emerged showing her husband Bryon is a cross-dresser

Noem has withdrawn from public view after photos emerged showing her husband Bryon is a cross-dresser

Facilities staff at the State Department hesitated to fully move in or discard packing materials because they believed Noem’s tenure would be short-lived, according to one official.

Another source told the Daily Mail the atmosphere surrounding the office signaled it was being ‘shrunk to nothing,’ with little expectation it would become a lasting fixture.

‘Noem’s stuff has been moved in there, but she never shows up,’ one administration official said.

‘I don’t think it’s a real thing.’

Sources told the Daily Mail that one senior aide slated to follow Noem from DHS to the State Department never made the move. Steven Munoz, her former deputy chief of staff, instead leveraged his relationships with senior White House officials to remain at Homeland Security.

Munoz is widely viewed as one of Noem’s closest and most loyal aides within the department.

The Daily Mail has contacted the State Department and Noem for comment. The White House declined to comment.

Former University of Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snelling Pleads Not Guilty in Newborn Son’s Death Case

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Former University of Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snelling Pleads Not Guilty in Newborn Son’s Death Case

Former University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling continues to assert her innocence following accusations of killing her newborn son, placing his body in a trash bag, and subsequently ordering McDonald’s.

Snelling, aged 21, entered a plea of not guilty to first-degree manslaughter during a court appearance on Friday. Authorities allege that she abandoned the newborn in a closet shortly after giving birth on August 27.

Following the grim discovery of the infant’s body, Snelling faced charges of abusing a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth. She denied all charges.


Laken Snelling smiling while seated at a table.
Former college cheerleader Laken Snelling, 21, allegedly killed her baby after birth. Facebook / Laken Snelling

Last month, she faced manslaughter charges after the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office informed a grand jury that the baby had been born alive and died from “asphyxia by undetermined means,” according to police reports.

Although Snelling was initially held at the Fayette County Detention Center, she was reportedly released just hours later after her father posted her $10,000 bond.

She faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the first-degree manslaughter charge and an additional 11 years for the remaining charges if found guilty.

Snelling’s horrified college roommates were the first to discover the dead baby boy in a black plastic bag stuffed in her closet at their shared off-campus home in Lexington. 

In her room, they also found a “blood-soaked towel on the floor and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth” – as well as the infant, who was “cold to the touch,” they told a 911 operator. 

The roommates – who had suspected the cheerleader was concealing a pregnancy – told cops they’d heard loud, strange noises coming from Snelling’s room around the time she gave birth at roughly 4 a.m.


Mugshot of Laken Snelling in an orange uniform.
Snelling pleaded not guilty Friday to murder charges. Fayette County Detention Center

Snelling then allegedly tried to clean up the scene, showered and left the house – skipping morning classes and a visit to the school clinic – and went to McDonald’s. 

Snelling initially claimed during an interview with police that the baby fell on the floor after she gave birth but that she didn’t think he was “breathing or alive.” 

She soon changed her story, saying she had passed out “on top of the baby” and woke up to find him “turning blue and purple.” 

An investigation revealed she told medical staff that the newborn had shown “a little bit of fetal movement” and made a “whimper” after he was born.

A pretrial conference  in Snelling’s case is scheduled for May 14, and a status hearing is set for June 12.

Her lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.

Warriors Star Josh McKay Thrives on YouTube, Shares Outdoor Adventures with Dad in New Zealand, Sets Sights on Toulon Challenge

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Warriors Star Josh McKay Thrives on YouTube, Shares Outdoor Adventures with Dad in New Zealand, Sets Sights on Toulon Challenge

For Josh McKay, Scotland feels like a natural fit. His deep connection to the country stems not just from tracing his family roots back to the 1800s, but also from his love for the great outdoors.

“I’ve always loved being outside,” McKay shared with Daily Mail Sport. “It’s something that’s been with me since childhood. Spending time outdoors and breathing in fresh air is incredibly beneficial, especially for mental health.”

He explained, “Whether I’m hiking in the mountains, exploring the countryside, or swimming in the water, there’s nothing quite like it. New Zealand, where I’m from, is essentially an adventurer’s paradise. Scotland shares that same essence.”

Returning to his ancestral land, McKay expressed a sense of coming full circle. “It’s pretty cool to be back here now. For me, Scotland is like a second home,” he said.

In 2021, McKay made the bold move to leave New Zealand and join the Glasgow Warriors. Since then, he has quickly won over fans with his speed and skill, becoming a pivotal player under the guidance of Franco Smith.

Full-back Josh McKay has become a fans' favourite  since joining Glasgow Warriors in 2021

Full-back Josh McKay has become a fans’ favourite  since joining Glasgow Warriors in 2021

McKay has set up a YouTube channel that tracks his hunting and spearfishing  adventures

McKay has set up a YouTube channel that tracks his hunting and spearfishing  adventures

McKay recently returned to New Zealand where he and his wife, Lily, celebrated their marriage

McKay recently returned to New Zealand where he and his wife, Lily, celebrated their marriage

His electric pace and dancing feet were once again to the fore last week as Glasgow beat the Bulls in the Champions Cup at Scotstoun, teeing up a blockbuster quarter-final against Toulon tomorrow.

McKay will qualify to play for Scotland in November later this year. Unless the world somehow falls off its axis between now and then, he will go straight in as an exciting addition to Gregor Townsend’s squad.

But rugby is not McKay’s only pursuit. Over the past year, he has built his own YouTube channel with over 2,000 subscribers, tracking his adventures around some of the most remote areas of the country.

Armed with a rifle, he has stalked the hills for deer. He has plunged into some of the coldest waters when he is free-diving, which is effectively scuba-diving minus the oxygen tanks and other equipment.

He has caught more fish than he would care to mention, with scallops being a particular favourite. Like New Zealand, there is something about Scotland that speaks to his soul.

‘I sort of grew up around the sea,’ says McKay, who hails from Kaiapoi near Christchurch. ‘My dad was always a diver. He got me into snorkelling when I was pretty young. I’ve been scuba diving since I was 14.

‘I will quite often call my dad back home in New Zealand and tell him I’ve caught some scallops or been spearfishing. He loves all of that.

‘That was kind of how the whole YouTube thing started. My dad was always asking me to show him stuff whenever I had been out spearfishing or hunting or whatever.

‘I bought a GoPro [mobile camera] and started filming stuff to send him. Then I basically just thought, ah, bugger it, might as well just put it on YouTube. It could be a nice little side gig for me away from rugby.

‘A few months ago in November, I was able to get up to the Shetland Islands. That was a pretty awesome part of the world.

‘To be able to still do that in Scotland and scratch that itch is really special and one of the reasons why I love it here.

‘It means there’s not as much pressure on me to do all of this stuff when I get back home to New Zealand.

‘Going home is about family time ultimately. I don’t think my mum would be too pleased if I got home and then buggered off into the hills for a couple of weeks.

‘I like to go on a hunt and, if you can put some lovely meat on your plate at the end of it all, that’s a bonus.’

McKay may well be quite the marksman when he is out in the wilderness, but he now has the big beast of Toulon firmly in his sights.

There is history between these two clubs. Back in 2023, Toulon thrashed Glasgow in the Challenge Cup Final at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

That was a painful way to end what had been an excellent first season under Smith. Just 12 months later, they would be crowned URC champions.

Glasgow are a very different team now than they were back then. The hosting of the first ever home quarter-final in the Champions Cup is testament to the new heights being scaled.

‘It’s a massive game against Toulon and we’re super excited for it,’ says McKay. ‘As a club, it’s the first time Glasgow have hosted a Champions Cup quarter-final.

‘It’s another step on the ladder in terms of where we want to get to. Our mindset is very much to take it week by week, but yeah, it’s a hugely exciting time for the club.

‘As a club, Toulon have been there, seen it and done it all before in the Champions Cup. It’s another step up for us, but it’s one we feel we are ready for.

‘It has taken a lot to get into this position. We had four really tough games in the pool stage and we squeezed every last bit out of it.

‘We all know how special this could be. But you can’t let that be at the forefront of your mind or else it might spook you.

‘I think we are a much more mature and much more consistent team compared to when we played Toulon a few years ago in the Challenge Cup Final.’

McKay arrived at Scotstoun in the autumn of 2021, with Smith taking charge as head coach the following summer.

The South African swiftly earned a reputation as a tough taskmaster, whipping Glasgow into shape and putting an end to what he called the ‘cheese-puff brigade’.

McKay can certainly identify with Smith’s methods and approach, but he would not describe the Warriors head coach as a totalitarian. Smith’s man-management skills are clever and more nuanced.

‘Franco was really honest with us and, very quickly after he arrived at the club, he told us we just weren’t fit enough as a group,’ says McKay.

‘I was not in the cheese-puff brigade! But, no, he made it clear that we needed to get fitter in order to play how he wanted us to play for 80 minutes.

‘We’ve proven now that we can not only compete with the best, but actually beat the best teams in the URC and in Europe.

‘But that counts for nothing unless you get the job done at the end of the season. In terms of this season, we haven’t won anything yet.

‘People have this perception of Franco as being quite tough, which he can be. But he’s also great in terms of how he manages the group.

‘He gives us plenty of time off in the right moments. But there is a clear expectation and demand from him that we work bloody hard when we are here.

‘Ultimately, it’s about trust. If he gives us time off, he expects us to come back in good nick and be ready to go. As a coach and as a man, I can’t speak highly enough of him.’

McKay was named Glasgow’s player of the year when they won the URC title in 2024. His skillset looks to be tailor-made for how Scotland play under Townsend.

With the prospect of playing for Scotland set to come sharply into focus when he qualifies in November later this year, he feels much more at ease speaking about it than he once did.

‘I’m locked in and under contract for another two seasons here at Glasgow, so definitely here for the long haul now,’ says the 28-year-old.

‘I was always pretty hesitant to put it out there as a goal of mine until I knew I was going to be signed through the full five years.

‘Now we are at the stage where it is a clear goal of mine. Growing up as a young kid, of course you want to play international rugby. It’s the pinnacle.

‘I have taken a little bit of an unconventional route maybe. But I have family who were born and bred right here in Scotland.

‘I obviously need to keep my mindset focused on things at Glasgow. It’s a massive end to the season for us.

‘We are still a few months away. But if we get to November later this year and I have a chance to play for Scotland, of course it would be a goal for me.’

McKay recently returned to New Zealand, where he and his wife Lily tied the knot. It has been a special time in his life, both personally and professionally.

The wild wanderer of the Warriors is far from finished with his adventure in Scotland. Indeed, the best may yet be still to come.
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