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Misdiagnosis Leads to Unnecessary Hysterectomy, Lawsuit Alleges

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Cassandra Barksdale addresses the press regarding her legal action against Kaiser Permanente (WXIA).

In a troubling case from Georgia, a woman’s life was turned upside down due to alleged medical negligence. Cassandra Barksdale was mistakenly diagnosed with a severe type of uterine cancer, prompting an unnecessary hysterectomy. It wasn’t until months later that she discovered the biopsy results were not hers but belonged to someone else. This week, Barksdale initiated a negligence lawsuit in Clayton County against Kaiser Permanente, a laboratory information analyst, and five unidentified employees. She claims a mix-up with her tissue specimen led to the unwarranted removal of her uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and four lymph nodes, only to learn later that she was never actually afflicted with cancer.

The lawsuit details that Barksdale sought medical assistance at Kaiser Permanente’s Southwood Medical Center in January 2025 due to unusual bleeding and uterine fibroids. An endometrial biopsy was conducted on March 10, 2025.

Barksdale asserts that those in charge of her tissue sample at the facility did not correctly identify, label, or track it before it was sent to Quest Diagnostics for examination. Consequently, a different patient’s biopsy results were mistakenly recorded under her name.

The pathology findings, reported two days later, allegedly diagnosed Barksdale with “high grade endometrial uterine carcinoma with serous features.” On March 17, she was informed via phone that she had a “high-grade, aggressive” form of uterine cancer, necessitating further imaging to assess the disease’s progression, as outlined in the lawsuit.

Although a CT scan performed days later showed no evidence of cancer, Barksdale was referred to a gynecologic oncologist in Atlanta, the lawsuit alleges. No additional tests were performed before doctors allegedly “recommended a total hysterectomy.”

Relying on the cancer diagnosis and her physicians’ recommendations, Barksdale underwent surgery on May 15, 2025, during which her uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes and four lymph nodes were removed and sent to a lab for a pathological analysis. Those tests found “no morphologically malignant cells” in the organs. A subsequent surgical pathology report confirmed “no carcinoma was identified, and no malignancy was seen in the entire endometrial cavity.”

Despite those findings, doctors still allegedly told Barksdale she had cancer and should expect chemotherapy. She says she remained in limbo for months before finally receiving an explanation.

According to the complaint, Kaiser administrators met with Barksdale on Sept. 23, 2025, and informed her that DNA testing established the biopsy showing aggressive cancer was not hers and instead “belongs to a different patient.”

She later received a revised laboratory report instructing her to disregard the original pathology results because the specimen likewise “belongs to a different patient,” the complaint says.

“As a result of the abject negligence of the Defendants, Ms. Barksdale has sustained serious, permanent and irreversible injuries to her person, including but not limited to, surgical menopause, permanent and premature anatomical and physiological changes, severe mental pain, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression, fear of future medical treatment, medical distrust, loss of bodily integrity and autonomy, embarrassment, humiliation, and diminished quality and enjoyment of life,” the complaint states.

The defendants are also accused of negligently failing to maintain proper chain of custody of Barksdale’s test materials, incorrectly labeling another patient’s tissue as Barksdale’s, and failing to follow laboratory protocols designed to prevent specimen misidentification.

During a news conference announcing the lawsuit, Barksdale said the diagnosis devastated her and her family.

“I had to contact my kids to let them know that I have five years to live and that I’m going to die because I have aggressive cancer,” she told Atlanta NBC affiliate WXIA. “My sons went into a deep depression. It took a big hold over my family.”

She also said she struggled with severe depression and suicidal thoughts after believing she was dying.

Her attorney, Roderick Edmond, said the litigation is intended to determine how such an error could have happened.

“We’ve got computers, we’ve got science, we’ve got AI, how the h— did this happen?” Edmond said.

Edmond also said discovery could reveal whether another patient may have been affected by the alleged specimen mix-up.

Kaiser acknowledged the mistake in a statement provided to multiple news outlets.

“Our most important responsibility is to safely, expertly and compassionately care for the people who entrust us with their health. If we make a mistake, it can have profound effects,” the company said. “Ms. Barksdale should not have experienced this.”

Barksdale is seeking unspecified damages, a jury trial, attorney’s fees and other relief. The allegations in the lawsuit have not yet been tested in court.

The post Woman told she had 5 years to live is forced to get unnecessary hysterectomy based on another patient’s cancer diagnosis, lawsuit claims first appeared on Law & Crime.

Missouri Dispute Tragedy: Mother, Teen Daughter Fatalities

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This story discusses suicide. If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

In a tragic incident in Missouri, a mother and her teenage daughter were tragically shot and killed in their home by a neighbor following a dispute, according to authorities.

On July 25, Robert Winkelman, aged 73, approached the home of his neighbors, the Lashlys, in House Springs, Missouri. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported that he voiced concerns to 38-year-old Jessica Lashly about activities at her residence. An exchange ensued, leading Winkelman to fatally shoot Lashly in the head.

A woman and a teenage girl smile together outdoors near a fountain, the girl holding a pink rose.

Jessica Lashly, 38, along with her 17-year-old daughter, Jersey Greer, tragically lost their lives following the shooting in their House Springs home. (Courtesy of Midlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens)

Tragedy compounded when Jersey Greer, only 17, attempted to aid her mother and was also shot in the head by Winkelman, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office. Winkelman then pursued another individual in the house, but that person escaped unharmed. Despite medical efforts, both Lashly and Greer succumbed to their injuries in a nearby hospital a few days later.

When deputies arrived at Winkelman’s home and moved to confront him, he turned the gun on himself.

He died at a local hospital on Aug. 2, according to investigators, who said he would have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action.

According to reports, investigators said that Winkelman initially went to Lashly’s home to complain about noise. A spokesman for the sheriff’s office characterized the incident to News Media as a “dispute between neighbors.”

Investigators learned that Winkelman had “ongoing frustrations” with activities at Lashly’s home.

A booking-style photo of an older man with gray hair against a blue background.

Robert Winkelman, 73, walked to his neighbor’s home and opened fire, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. He later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)

Justice Greer, the teenage victim’s twin sister, told KSDK, “She was literally just the funniest person ever.”

“She could make anybody laugh. She was really supportive about anything and everything. She could always tell when someone was sad or needed uplifting, and she was always the one to do it,” Justice Greer said.

“Jersey’s last moments, she was trying to save my mom. It just shows how brave she is, and I hope I can be half as brave as she is,” she added.

Justice Greer said Lashly was a single mother who did everything she could to support her daughters.

A black Jefferson County Sheriff SUV parked in a lot on an overcast day.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Winkelman would have faced two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action. (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office)

“It was always just us three,” Justice said. “It’s going to be really hard because that’s all I’m used to.”

Abby Feldmann, who coached lacrosse for both Justice and Jersey Greer, told KSDK that Jersey is someone who can “change your whole perspective on life.”

“There’s not one person who would refuse to follow her,” Feldmann said. “Everyone’s behind her. She’s really an amazing girl.”

Brooklyn Drivers Hit with Fines After ASP Pilot Error

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Rev up your engines, because here’s the latest on an unexpected parking fiasco.

An attempt to streamline alternate side parking rules in Brooklyn hit a major speed bump this week. A flawed rollout of the new system led to numerous drivers in Prospect Heights being wrongly issued with bright green “shame” stickers and slapped with $65 fines.

These penalties were mistakenly given after the city announced that alternate side rules were reduced to once a week in the neighborhood, starting Monday. Unfortunately, the memo didn’t reach all the enforcers on time, resulting in legal parkers erroneously getting ticketed.

Instead of simplifying parking for locals, the botched communication left many residents outraged and bewildered by the enforcement mishap.

“That’s just unacceptable! This is the digital era, so there’s no reason for this kind of blunder,” protested Glenn Sainsbury. His nephew Christopher found himself among those unjustly fined. “With all the tech for emails and texts, this doesn’t make any sense,” he added, expressing his frustration.

Christopher woke up Monday to find an ugly green adhesive stuck to his car window, which he was more upset about than the $65 ticket.

“It’s not easy stuff to get off. You’ve got to take up a spatula or something, or a razor to get it off. I guess they get tired of people not moving their cars,” said Sainsbury.

This week marked the first that the wealthy neighborhood was meant to enjoy a reduced ASP schedule that sliced the number of times drivers needed to move their cars for street sweepers in half.

Prospect Heights is typically saddled with twice-weekly sweepings per side of the road — which results in the neighborhood being littered with more double parking than trash.

Monday was intended to be the first day, but the traffic agents who doled out tickets had never heard of the pilot initiative, sources said.

Each ticket, issued for failing to move a car during scheduled street sweeping, costs $65.

The Sanitation Department told The Post it notified several agencies like the NYPD and Finance Department about the program in the weeks ahead of its start date.

But a source close to the issue said just one notice was sent on the issue without confirmation or follow-up, leading to the orange-ticket blunder.

There was a lack of “coordination” between the DSNY and NYPD, the insider said.

The NYPD emphasized that the slip-up had already been resolved.

“These summonses were issued in error and have already been voided. We will ensure that the Department of Sanitation creates a formal process for notifying the NYPD about any requests for changes to longstanding parking rules,” a spokesperson said.

Police could not share how many summonses were issued, but City Councilmember Crystal Hudson’s office received about 12 complaints.

“Drivers have notified our office that they received summonses on days when enforcement was not supposed to occur in the pilot area,” Hudson told The Post.

“Our office has reached out directly to the Department of Sanitation, local NYPD precincts, and the NYPD Chief of Traffic to ensure traffic enforcement agents do not issue tickets on non-enforcement days. The City has assured us that any summonses issued on non-designated enforcement days will be dismissed.”

The blunder will be corrected for next week, her office said.

The pilot program — aimed at determining whether once-per-week sweeping is enough to keep the neighborhood clean — will continue through Sept. 25.

Family of Deceased Briton in Suitcase Breaks Silence for the First Time

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The family of a British woman, whose body was tragically found in a suitcase in Athens, has broken their silence regarding the incident. Their loved one was allegedly murdered by an Afghan migrant.

Sharif Ahmadzai, a boxer from Afghanistan, is currently in custody in connection with the death of Elisabeth Jane Ross. On Thursday, he notably declined to submit a plea.

Ms. Ross was a frequent visitor to Greece, dedicating her time to various NGOs. Her volunteer efforts focused on assisting refugees, the homeless, and vulnerable people, particularly those from Afghanistan and Iran.

Originally from Edinburgh, Ms. Ross arrived in Athens on June 26. She initially stayed with Greek friends in Keratsini, the main seaport near the city.

Authorities confirmed that she relocated to Rethymnou Street in central Athens on July 2. There, she volunteered with a Christian-based NGO focused on refugee support. Tragically, just two weeks later, her body was discovered in an abandoned building.

In a statement on Thursday, her family said: ‘Lisa will always be remembered by us as kind, principled and selfless.

‘Her integrity was absolute, and she dedicated her life to helping others in need.

‘We are in deep pain, and we ask for time and privacy as we come to terms with our loss.’

The family of Elisabeth Jane Ross, a British woman found dead in a suitcase in Athens after allegedly being killed by an Afghan migrant, has spoken out for the first time

The family of Elisabeth Jane Ross, a British woman found dead in a suitcase in Athens after allegedly being killed by an Afghan migrant, has spoken out for the first time

Sharif Ahmadzai, a boxer from Afghanistan, is being held in connection with the death of Elisabeth Jane Ross, after he refused to enter a plea on Thursday

Sharif Ahmadzai, a boxer from Afghanistan, is being held in connection with the death of Elisabeth Jane Ross, after he refused to enter a plea on Thursday 

Ahmadzai, 26, is accused of manslaughter, robbery and illegal gun possession and exercised his right to silence and did not respond to the charges as toxicological test results are still pending, according to a legal source. 

His American wife has given an emotional testimony, describing how she had a realisation that Elisabeth, also known as Lisa, could be dead.

US-born Christian Alaina Hall told police that she had met Elisabeth through volunteer work in Athens and had last seen her on July 12, after a Bible study meeting, Greek news outlet Protothema reports.

Days later, she heard news that a body had been found stuffed in a suitcase in a derelict building in Athens.

Later that night, Alaina recalled waking up with a ‘terrible’ feeling.

The following morning, she sent a message to Elisabeth and received two replies, which raised her suspicions.

‘These messages were not in Lisa’s style, both in terms of her level of English and the use of emojis that she never used.’

Alaina added that she tried to call Elisabeth but never received a response.

In her testimony, Alaina also told police she grew suspicious of her husband after she woke to find him missing on the evening of July 15, and, after checking his shared location, she saw that he was at Elisabeth’s flat.

When she confronted him, he told her that he was out watching a football match, but had gone to Elisabeth’s apartment to use the toilet.

‘I don’t know what to tell you, but all of the above made me feel strange. Especially combining the dates, the messages and my husband’s behaviour, I have various thoughts that make me feel uncomfortable,’ she told police.

Officers started probing Ahmadzai after his wife allegedly reported her husband had been behaving suspiciously on July 30.

Detectives found CCTV footage which allegedly shows him leaving the apartment where Elisabeth was staying with a suitcase and dropping it where her remains were found on July 16.

Earlier this week, Protothema reported that Ahmadzai told police in a statement on Saturday that he did not kill the 38-year-old, claiming he found her dead before panicking and taking a series of unjustified actions.

During the testimony, he said: ‘I never did harm to anyone. I want you to understand me and believe me. I was just in a panic.’

Ahmadzai is suspected of killing Ms Ross (pictured) before putting her body in a bag and dumping it in a derelict building

Ahmadzai is suspected of killing Ms Ross (pictured) before putting her body in a bag and dumping it in a derelict building

This is the moment the Afghan professional boxer walks through the streets of Athens carrying a suitcase allegedly containing the body of Briton Elisabeth-Jane Ross

This is the moment the Afghan professional boxer walks through the streets of Athens carrying a suitcase allegedly containing the body of Briton Elisabeth-Jane Ross

He claimed he had visited the house where Elisabeth was staying, and found her lying on the bathroom floor.

‘[She] was spitting something like water out of her mouth. I spoke to her two or three times, but she didn’t respond. I froze. My legs went numb,’ he said.

The 26-year-old claimed he then panicked and left the house, where he encountered an elderly man near a bus stop. He reportedly asked the man what he should do after finding a dead body.

‘[The old man] told me that he worked with hospitals and he knows about them and what I should do is remove it from the house, or I will get into trouble. I sat and thought about what he told me for a few hours.’

He then admitted that he returned to the apartment the next day and placed Elisabeth’s body in a black suitcase, before placing it in the boot of the red Peugeot he was driving.

‘I started in the Peugeot, arrived near my house and parked it,’ he said, ‘I got out of the car, took the suitcase out of the trunk and walked to an abandoned building across from the Panhellenic University.

‘There I found the old man I told you about who gave me the advice. He told me to leave the suitcase with him, and he would take care of it.’

Ahmadzai told police he had taken Elisabeth’s phone and bank cards.

‘In addition to Lisa’s cards, I also took her mobile phone. From that, I sent some messages to people close to her to reassure them that she was okay. ‘

‘I don’t know what I was thinking. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I gave all the money I took out of Lisa’s cards to the old man because he was blackmailing me that he would tell everything to the police.

Ahmadzai pictured with his American wife Alaina Hall. Her testimony has been revealed for the first time

Ahmadzai pictured with his American wife Alaina Hall. Her testimony has been revealed for the first time

‘As far as I know, this old man’s name is Nikos, and he frequents the place where I left the suitcase.’

He appeared in court on Wednesday, where he denied killing Ross but claimed that an ‘old man’ had persuaded him to move the body.

In addition to ‘intentional homicide’, he has also been charged with robbery and weapons offences.

Ahmadzai reached the island of Lesvos in 2016. He then converted to Christianity and married US-born Christian Alaina Hall in 2023 before they set up a ministry helping refugees in Athens.

Key Factors Influencing Next Week’s Interest Rate Decisions

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All eyes will be on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) next week as millions of borrowers await its critical decision regarding interest rates.

A seasoned mortgage expert predicts a tight decision, despite the ‘big four’ banks—Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB, and ANZ—anticipating that the central bank will maintain the cash rate steady at 4.35 per cent.

Already this year, the RBA has implemented three rate hikes, and Governor Michele Bullock remains firm on the possibility of further increases as inflation continues to exceed the targeted 2-3 per cent range.

Sally Tindall, the data insights director at Canstar, commented, “There’s an underlying urgency, especially concerning inflation.”

“The RBA board consistently emphasizes that time is a critical factor in the fight against inflation. The longer the delay in achieving targets, the tougher and more ingrained inflation becomes,” she added.

The board will examine three key economic indicators released in recent weeks before handing down its decision on Tuesday.

Inflationary pressures

Inflationary pressures, as measured by both the consumer price index (CPI) and trimmed mean inflation, are frequently cited in the RBA’s statements on its decision-making.

In June, the RBA said inflation was still too high and warned higher fuel and commodity costs are starting to flow into other parts of the economy, including housing and construction.

Bullock said Australia already had an inflation problem before disruptions to global oil markets caused by conflict in the Middle East.

The most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed a shift in inflation in June.

Headline inflation fell from 4 per cent to 3.8 per cent while the trimmed mean, which strips out volatile items, remained steady at 3.6 per cent.

A chart showing interest rates

Tindall said that inflation predictions have shifted over time primarily due to the war in the Middle East, which has added to inflationary pressures.

The figures for June were “perhaps better than we were expecting,” Tindall said, “but still a long way from target”.

A graph showing Australia's consumer price index and trimmed mean inflation.

The RBA aims to bring inflation down to between 2 and 3 per cent, fulfilling one of its mandates to keep it low and stable.

Its other mandate is to support full employment, meaning as many Australians in work as possible without creating excessive inflation.

Unemployment rate

Tindall described the unemployment rate as “a critical data set for the RBA”.

In June, the unemployment rate was 4.4 per cent, slightly below the 2026 peak of 4.5 per cent in April.

A graph showing Australia's changing unemployment rate, ending at 4.4 per cent in June 2026.

These figures have been on the RBA governor’s mind. Earlier this month, Bullock said they were higher than expected.

However, Tindall said that while elevated, this figure of 4.4 per cent in itself is not going to push the board into “ringing an alarm bell”.

Consumer spending

The amount households spend can give a sense of the average Australian’s disposable income after they’ve made their mortgage payments.

This indicator gives the RBA a window into how households are faring amid economic pressures, including cost of living and the impact of higher interest rates.

However, Tindall said this data can be hard to interpret.

“It’s difficult to isolate in this data the families that are doing it incredibly tough versus the ones that aren’t really sweating from the economic pressures at the moment,” she said.

In June 2026, household spending rose 0.8 per cent month-on-month.

“Going further back with this data set, it’s actually quite volatile, and there have been rises in June and May but a fall in April,” Tindall said.

“The RBA will be paying attention to this, but will also look at other data points, including liaison programs, to better understand how Australian families are going.”

A graph showing Australia's household spending, ending at 6 per cent in June 2026.

Under these liaison programs, RBA economists consult with hundreds of private firms, industry associations, government agencies, and community organisations across Australia.

‘Don’t bank on it’

While the big four banks expect the RBA to leave rates unchanged on Tuesday, Tindall said borrowers should still be prepared for the possibility of another rate rise.

“I would say if you’ve got a mortgage, don’t bank on it. Spend the weekend just going over your finances, making sure that you can withstand another rate hike. It might not happen on Tuesday, but it could still happen in the future,” she said.

The big four banks predict the RBA won’t move on rates until next year, when it will likely make its first cut since August 2025.

But that could change should overseas conflict escalate and put pressure on essential products like oil.

“Go out there and see if you can potentially get yourself a better deal with your bank,” Tindall said.

“You can use the interest rate uncertainty as ammunition to negotiate with your own bank, or you could end up ultimately refinancing.

“But if you can get your own personalised rate cut, that will help future-proof your finances should we see another rate hike.”

Disclaimer: This article is general information. Please see a professional if you need financial advice.


Outrage as Oklahoma Teen Accused of Raping Two Walks Free; DA Seeks Federal Intervention

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In a striking turn of events, an Oklahoma teenager accused of heinous crimes, including sexual assault and strangulation of two high school students, has had his case dismissed. This outcome comes after he completed a rehabilitation program suited for youthful offenders, all while avoiding any time in prison, according to court documents.

The teenager, Jesse Mack Butler, then 17 years old, faced adult charges in Payne County as of March 2025. He was accused of committing ten felony offenses involving two girls he reportedly dated.

The list of charges was lengthy and grave, including attempts at first-degree rape, multiple instances of rape by instrumentation, sexual battery, forcible oral sodomy, and two counts of domestic assault and battery by strangulation. An additional charge accused Butler of violating a protective order, bringing the total to eleven counts.

Jesse Mack Butler

Jesse Butler once donned a baseball uniform, a world away from the criminal accusations he now faces. (Risin Baseball)

Butler’s legal team sought to have him designated as a youthful offender, or alternatively, a juvenile. Although the court dismissed the juvenile status request, it concurred with granting youthful-offender status. This decision came after an agreement was reached between the prosecution and defense.

On Aug. 25, 2025, Butler pleaded no contest to all 11 counts. The judge found that he entered the pleas knowingly and voluntarily and that there was a factual basis for them, according to the court docket reviewed by News Media.

The court pronounced sentences of up to 10 years on several counts but placed Butler under the supervision of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs instead of sending him to prison.

The sentence hung over him while he completed a court-approved rehabilitation plan. Review-hearing records from December 2025 and April 2026 said Butler remained in compliance with his rehabilitation plan.

Jesse Butler protest sign

A protester raises a sign reading “Hold Jesse Responsible” during a demonstration outside the courthouse in Stillwater, Okla., on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Nathan J. Fish/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

At his final review hearing on Aug. 3, prosecutors announced that they would not seek to transfer him into the custody or supervision of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

The court’s jurisdiction expired when Butler turned 19 at midnight on Aug. 4, causing the case to be dismissed by operation of law.

The final hearing turned contentious when defense attorney Derek Chance, according to newly elected Payne and Logan County District Attorney Jeremiah Gregory, said that he suggested Butler was innocent and was victimized by the case.

“Today’s hearing included disingenuous assertions from the defense regarding the defendant’s innocence, that he was the victim in this matter, and that the victim’s assertions were false had no bearing. The defense portrayed that somehow the perpetrator suffered more than these victims. What was said was insincere, untruthful, and affront to these victims and what they have endured,” Gregory said in a statement.

“Nothing has made my blood boil more,” he said.

Jesse Butler and his mom listen to police

Officers move in to arrest Jesse Butler as his mother looks on. (Stillwater Police Department)

Gregory said Oklahoma cannot prosecute Butler again because of constitutional protections against double jeopardy.

He announced that his office would instead refer the matter to the appropriate federal agency for prosecutorial review.

“I cannot undo what has already been done,” Gregory said, “but I can — and will — continue to stand as a strong voice for all victims of violent crime.”

jesse-butler-protest-stillwater-oklahoma-fox-news-001.jpg

Demonstrators gather to protest the Jesse Butler case outcome outside Payne County Courthouse in Stillwater, Okla., on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. (Nathan J. Fish/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

No federal charges have been announced.

News Media reached out to the Payne and Logan County District Attorney’s Office, the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, Butler’s attorney and other attorneys connected to the case for additional comment.

Why UK Buyers Are Investing in Michigan’s Real Estate

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While coastal regions and Sun Belt states remain the prevailing choices for international real estate buyers in the U.S., Michigan is quietly becoming a sought-after location for U.K. buyers. Attracting attention due to its cost-effective lifestyle and a robust employment landscape, the state has carved out a unique niche among foreign investors.

Between April 2025 and March 2026, Michigan ranked as the third most favored destination for U.K. homebuyers in the United States, accounting for 18% of all U.K. property acquisitions across the nation. This insight comes from the latest National Association of Realtors® 2025 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate report.

The NAR report defines “foreign” or “international” buyers as individuals who are foreign nationals residing outside the U.S., recent immigrants who have been in the country for less than two years, and visa holders currently living in the U.S.

Among British buyers, only the sunlit locales of California and Arizona surpassed Michigan, capturing 36% and 27% of U.K. investments, respectively. Interestingly, Michigan outperformed traditionally popular foreign buyer markets like Texas and South Carolina, which each received 9% of the U.K. property purchases.

“Michigan’s appeal to U.K. buyers probably stems from two main factors,” explains Realtor.com® economist Jiayi Xu. “Lifestyle-wise, the state’s charming lakefront towns offer the idyllic waterfront and second-home living that reminds many Britons of home but comes at a far more affordable price than they might find on the Florida coast or back in the U.K.”

“On the business side, Michigan’s deep, decades-old ties to the auto industry mean a steady flow of relocation opportunities for U.K. professionals in roles tied to Ford, GM, and their supply chains.”

This trend is rooted in strong cross-border economic ties going back decades and anchored in automotive technology collaborations.

According to U.K. government trade data, British subsidiaries employ nearly 40,000 workers across Michigan, making the U.K. one of the leading sources of direct foreign investment in the state. 

Overall, U.K. homebuyers accounted for 4% of all foreign real estate purchases in the U.S. in 2026, unchanged since 2024. Meanwhile, Michigan ranked as the eighth most popular destination across all foreign buyer groups, at 3%.

On Realtor.com this spring, buyers from the U.K. made up 6% of international traffic to Michigan, the second-largest group of foreign browsers.

Michigan’s British invasion

Jaye Sanders, managing broker at Nextpointe Real Estate Service in Royal Oak, MI, has worked with international buyers over the past six years and says U.K.’s ascendance as a major feeder market for Michigan comes as no surprise.

“It makes sense based upon how affordable our market is. It makes sense based upon the fact that we’re a major hub. … You can pretty much fly anywhere you need to fly,” Sanders tells Realtor.com. “And it makes sense because Michigan is a fantastic place to live and bring your family.”

The broker emphasizes that, in accordance with Michigan’s Fair Housing guidelines, she never collects information on her clients’ racial or cultural background, but confirms she has helped U.K. buyers purchase homes in Michigan.

“I have had quite a few buyers who’ve come from other countries, and they’ve specifically been interested in the resurgence of Detroit,” says Sanders.

Motor City, long celebrated as the beating heart of America’s automotive industry, declared bankruptcy in 2013 and became a symbol of urban decay. In the decade since, Detroit has experienced a remarkable economic turnaround highlighted by downtown revitalization, multiple consecutive balanced budgets, and recent population growth.

Location and affordability

Many of Sanders’ international buyers, among them British subjects, are drawn to Detroit’s location offering easy access to neighboring Canada, a fellow commonwealth nation. Other crucial selling points include Michigan’s world-class freshwater lakes and its impressive affordability.

She points out some of her foreign clients are shocked that they can afford to purchase a waterfront property in Michigan for a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere.

Michigan’s lower property taxes also play a significant role.

“If you compare our property taxes to a state like California or even a state like New York, it’s a lot more affordable to live in Michigan,” notes Sanders.

The broker explains that many of her international clients work in the automotive sector and arrive on temporary corporate assignments. A large portion of them purchase waterfront condominiums or co-ops in downtown Detroit or Grosse Pointe near General Motors and Ford facilities as part of a long-term investment strategy.

“They look at the price, they look at the location close to the water, and they believe that in a few years, obviously the market will go up and they will sell,” says Sanders.

This cohort of buyers typical look for turnkey, low-maintenance properties in gated communities overlooking the Detroit River or Lake St. Clair that are priced in the $200,000 to $250,000 range.

“They want something that they can move in and immediately ‘plug and play,’” says Sanders.  

The idea is that rather than spending money on rent, the expats live in their condos while their work assignment is active, and then convert them into short- or long-term rentals to generate passive income for years to come.

Those who relocate to Michigan from abroad on a more permanent basis and arrive with families tend to prioritize top-rated school districts and single-family homes with backyards, typically shopping in the $250,000 to $400,000 range. 

In July, the median asking price in the Detroit metro was $275,000, down 1.8% from a year ago and more than $150,000 below the national median. 

Demand for Michigan housing remains strong across multiple international demographics. Beyond ranking third among U.K. buyers, Michigan was the fifth most popular destination for shoppers from Canada and India, and the sixth most popular for Chinese investors, according to the NAR report.

CNN’s Jim Acosta Admits Network’s Role in Covid Coverage ‘Bullying’ Controversy

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In a recent conversation with TMZ’s Harvey Levin, former CNN heavyweight Jim Acosta seemed to acknowledge that his previous network may have contributed to stifling open debate around the COVID-19 pandemic.

The topic surfaced just over ten minutes into the live stream of Wednesday’s edition of The Jim Acosta Show, when Levin, age 75, brought up CNN’s coverage during the pandemic era.

The discussion unfolded as Levin appeared on the show defending Dr. Anthony Fauci. Fauci has been under fire from numerous Republican lawmakers who allege he misled Congress about U.S. government-funded research projects overseas that they say could have played a role in spreading the virus.

Dr. Fauci’s recommendations on masks, social distancing, natural immunity, and vaccinations remain hot topics of debate and are being closely examined by politicians and the public alike.

Adding to the controversy, the Senate Homeland Security Committee on Thursday voted 8-5 to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt of Congress. This decision followed his invocation of the Fifth Amendment 111 times during intense questioning about the government’s handling of the pandemic response the prior week.

‘So look, um, again, I want to be real about this, personally. I did have some problems with the way Covid was handled,’ Levin suddenly told Acosta, 55. 

He singled out children as a group that ‘suffered’ in particular from ‘some of the policies.’

‘And there was a degree of bullying,’ the tabloid journalist continued. ‘And, you know, you were at CNN at the time, and I got to say, you know, I watched you and CNN all the time.   

TMZ founder Harvey Levin, 75, brought up CNN's pandemic-era coverage a little more than 10 minutes into Wednesday's Jim Acosta Show

TMZ founder Harvey Levin, 75, brought up CNN’s pandemic-era coverage a little more than 10 minutes into Wednesday’s Jim Acosta Show

‘And there was this element of if you disagreed with them, that you were somehow traitorous.’ 

Levin warned he wasn’t saying that ‘CNN did it’ knowingly.   

‘But there was an atmosphere of that, that you couldn’t dare question, you know, where it came from and what precautions you should be taking – that you were somehow an idiot for doing it,’ he added.

‘And I think that intolerance was a problem.’

Levin then offered another disclaimer. 

‘But, that said, um, I think, you know, to reduce Anthony Fauci to looking like a criminal is just abhorrent.’

Acosta, who had been listening in, answered: ‘Yeah, no. I agree with you.’  

‘As for the coverage, you know, I think we were all trying to figure this out in real time,’ the former CNN Newsroom anchor added – citing ‘so much disinformation that was being spread’ at the time.

The diary entries were released as Fauci faces claims from Republicans that he signed off on funding for laboratories in China where workers manipulated viruses and misled Congress about his pandemic response. Fauci is seen here on CNN's State of the Union in July 2021

The diary entries were released as Fauci faces claims from Republicans that he signed off on funding for laboratories in China where workers manipulated viruses and misled Congress about his pandemic response. Fauci is seen here on CNN’s State of the Union in July 2021

He billed his longtime nemesis, then-president Donald Trump, as a primary purveyor.

‘Who was talking about how you could maybe inject disinfectants into your body or bring light bulbs into your body or whatever it was,’ Acosta said.

‘I remember when I was doing my show, I would just try to concentrate on having as many scientists and doctors and experts on as much as possible, just to make sure people were getting reliable information.’

He framed last week’s hearing as an example of ‘full-blown McCarthyism.’ 

Senator Rand Paul, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, relentlessly grilled Fauci for hours about the federal government’s activities before and during the virus’s initial spread.  

The emergence of COVID-19 in late 2019 is the subject of two main theories – one being a laboratory-related incident, and the other natural zoonotic transmission, meaning it was transferred from animal to human.

Paul has repeatedly accused Fauci of downplaying the still-unproven theory that the virus emerged from a lab in Wuhan. Fauci has not been convicted of any crimes. 

Notorious Scammer Mohamed Coulibaly Found Dead in New Jersey Pool, Leaving Troubling Legacy

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In Harrison Township, New Jersey, authorities have launched an investigation into the death of a man accused of orchestrating a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme aimed at ex-NFL players and other athletes.

The probe centers around Mohamed Coulibaly, who was purportedly behind a sophisticated ruse that duped numerous retired football players through a deceptive online sales operation.

According to law enforcement, on Friday, the 24-year-old was discovered unconscious in a swimming pool at a Harrison Township residence. Family members, concerned for his safety, had requested a wellness check from police, leading to the grim discovery.

This revelation follows closely on the heels of a Barron’s exposé that identified Coulibaly as the architect of an alleged scam, which involved luring sports stars into investing in non-existent e-commerce ventures.

“Former athletes and other financers were buying into these online shops, which appeared to be thriving based on manipulated sales figures they were shown,” explained Jacob Adelman from Barron’s magazine. “We realized that someone with access to the back-end was fabricating those sales transactions to make investors believe their capital was yielding profitable returns.”

Three former NFL players said they collectively lost more than $1 million in investments made with Coulibaly.

“Weeks and then months went by, and Muhammad always had a different excuse for why he wasn’t paying them. And finally, they realized they were potentially being scammed,” Adelman said.

Former New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder says he became a victim after connecting with Coulibaly through a friend.

“We was just, every day, talking about different investments and different things we could possibly get into. I saw him hanging out with a bunch of different guys that I know, which you know made me feel comfortable,” Crowder said.

Crowder invested all of his savings – totaling $500,000 – in one of Coulibaly’s web stores.

“I would log into the store all the time and just see, like, how it would work and what was going on. I feel like the more I told him about that, like, as many times I kept logging in, the number started going up,” Crowder added.

But his promised payout never came.

“I don’t want anybody else to get involved in anything like this, and whoever has got involved, I just want to come together and make it right,” Crowder said.

Earlier this year, Coulibaly denied to Barron’s that he was behind any kind of scam, saying that their reporting was, “Based on a misunderstanding of the technology and that his investors hadn’t received returns from their deals because he himself hadn’t received expected funds from a planned acquisition of his venture.”

So far, no criminal charges have been filed connected to the alleged scheme, but Coulibaly’s accusers are now hoping they can get some long-awaited resolution.

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Revitalize Your Mornings: 5 Chair Exercises That Boost Energy for Seniors Over 65

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Feeling sluggish? One of the simplest remedies to boost your energy levels is through regular exercise.

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Have you ever woken up thinking you could use a few more hours of sleep? It’s a common feeling, especially after a restless night. Fortunately, there’s a dynamic way to wave goodbye to morning fatigue—exercise. Engaging in physical activities not only gets your blood pumping but also floods your body with feel-good hormones, preparing you to face the day with vigor. So, before you pour another cup of coffee, consider an invigorating alternative we’ve mapped out for you.

We caught up with Jacob Siwicki, an experienced fitness coach and the visionary behind Siwicki Fitness. With an impressive background—NCSF and AFAA certifications, a one-time top 1% global ranking as an Equinox group fitness instructor, a Dartmouth economics degree, a former Dartmouth footballer, fitness segment guest on FOX 5 DC, and awarded D.C.’s top personal trainer in 2021—Siwicki shares five potent chair exercises specifically designed to rejuvenate your energy levels faster than your morning caffeine ritual, especially if you’re over 65.

Siwicki explains, “Chair exercises are effective because they offer a sense of security, removing the fear of falling which can be a barrier for many. This safety net encourages people to move with confidence, speeding up their pace, and energizing their muscles. It boosts circulation, eases stiff joints, and generally enhances alertness,” he adds. “I selected these exercises because they’re comprehensive, involving the whole body without needing you to get on the floor or maintain perfect balance. They’re simple yet stimulating, perfect for shaking off morning stiffness and sluggishness.”

Kickstart your day in the healthiest way possible. Dive into these exercises performed in a mini-circuit format, dedicating 30 to 45 seconds to each. Aim to cycle through the routine two to three times, adjusting based on your energy levels and how you’re feeling.

Seated Marches

  1. Begin seated on a chair with your feet placed hip-width apart on the floor.
  2. Gently draw your lower belly inward.
  3. Slowly lift one knee up to hip height.
  4. Lower.
  5. Alternate sides in a “marching” fashion.

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Sit-to-Stand

  1. Begin seated at the front of a sturdy chair, feet under your knees.
  2. Lean forward just a bit.
  3. Try to stand up without using your knees, hands, or additional support.
  4. Use control to slowly sit back down.

Seated Knee Extension

  1. Begin seated with your knees bent to 90 degrees.
  2. Brace your core.
  3. Gradually straighten one knee until that leg is completely extended.
  4. Hold at the top for 2 to 3 seconds.
  5. Lower with control
  6. Repeat on the other side.

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Heel-to-Toe Raises

  1. Begin sitting tall with your feet hip-width apart on the ground.
  2. Activate your core.
  3. Shift back onto your heels, lifting your toes off the ground.
  4. Pause for a moment.
  5. Then, shift forward onto the balls of your feet, lifting your heels off the ground.
  6. Continue to alternate.

If You Can Pass These 3 Drills, You’re Moving Better Than Most People at Any Age