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Sandra Bullock’s Enduring Grief: Coping with Bryan Randall’s Tragic Passing

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Three years following the heartbreaking loss of Sandra Bullock’s longtime partner, Bryan Randall, due to ALS, the cherished actress has started to speak publicly about his devastating diagnosis and her emotional journey through mourning.

This moment marks a significant change for Bullock, who, until her guest appearance on Jason Bateman’s Smartless podcast this week, had maintained a notably low profile for nearly two years.

The 62-year-old Oscar-winning actress and mother of two had largely stepped out of public view following Randall’s death, only surfacing recently to promote her upcoming film, Practical Magic 2.

Indeed, the sequel to the cult 1998 classic – set to feature Bullock in her first leading role in four years – coincides with a period where she feels prepared to discuss Randall’s passing, as sources revealed to the Daily Mail.

“Sandra is finally healing, which is part of why she has taken on Practical Magic 2,” shared one insider.

‘She felt it was time to talk about Bryan, like it is okay now. She doesn’t mind opening up about him, as she wants to honor him in the best way with sweet memories,’ they said. 

Pictured in 2018: Sandra Bullock, 62, has opened up about the passing of her partner, Bryan Randall, following his three-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Pictured in 2018: Sandra Bullock, 62, has opened up about the passing of her partner, Bryan Randall, following his three-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

It was August 2023 when Randall, a former model and photographer, succumbed to the fast-progressing nervous system disease at 57, his family revealed in a statement at the time.

For Bullock, the three years she spent caring for her long-term partner, who was diagnosed with ALS amid the Covid-19 pandemic, were marked by ‘pretty dark’ periods of isolation, she shared. 

‘Sandra really closed herself off when Bryan got sick, she was all about him and her kids. Her personality changed too, the laughs stopped coming. She was a much more serious person,’ the source continued.

The couple, who met in 2015 when Bullock hired him to photograph her son Louis’ birthday party, had already been together for five years and raised her two adopted children together at the time of his diagnosis.

But Randall’s desire to keep his deteriorating health private left Bullock feeling ‘isolated,’ between organizing his medical care and parenting her kids during the pandemic.

‘During Covid, Sandra was really scared. She was always isolated and lonely during that period and the couple of years that followed,’ a second insider told the Daily Mail.

Bullock confided in her sister, Vermont-based pastry chef Gesine Bullock-Prado, and her sister’s husband, storyboard illustrator Ray Prado, who she said were the only people who ‘knew for a while’ about Randall’s diagnosis.

Eventually, Bullock said she also informed Hollywood pal Jennifer Aniston, along with Bateman and his wife Amanda Anka, about her partner’s condition. 

Randall, a former model and photographer, met Bullock in 2015 when he was hired to photograph her son's birthday party. The source said her children referred to Randall as 'dad'

Randall, a former model and photographer, met Bullock in 2015 when he was hired to photograph her son’s birthday party. The source said her children referred to Randall as ‘dad’

Pictured in 2018: Bullock said she felt 'isolated' as Randall was diagnosed with ALS during the Covid-19 pandemic

Pictured in 2018: Bullock said she felt ‘isolated’ as Randall was diagnosed with ALS during the Covid-19 pandemic 

Despite being ‘very close’ to her sister, however, the source acknowledged that Bullock was still ‘pretty isolated’ during that time.

It likely didn’t help matters that Randall had become an important ‘father figure’ to Bullock’s two adopted kids, son Louis, 16, and daughter Laila, 12.

The actress became a first-time mom in January 2010 when she adopted three-month-old Louis, and again in December 2015 when she adopted two-year-old Laila. 

Bullock was previously married to motorcycle builder Jesse James in 2005, though their marriage ended in a highly publicized divorce in 2010 after it was revealed James had cheated.

Randall marked Bullock’s first serious, public relationship since the devastating divorce, as she shared on the podcast that her daughter saw Randall as ‘a father figure.’ He also has an adult daughter named Skylar from a previous relationship.

‘Bryan was an extremely nice person,’ the second source added.

While Bullock and Randall were never legally married, the Daily Mail exclusively revealed the pair exchanged ‘vows’ on the beach in the Bahamas back in 2017.

Three years after his death, some fans may now be left wondering how Bullock will be able to move on from the tragic loss of her life partner, who she previously described as the ‘love of [her] life’ in 2021. 

Bullock is set to make her long-awaited return to the big screen with the September release of Practical Magic 2, her first feature film role in four years (pictured in April 2026)

The source said Bullock is 'finally doing better' and 'felt it was time' to talk about Randall's death (pictured April 2026)

The source said Bullock is ‘finally doing better’ and ‘felt it was time’ to talk about Randall’s death (pictured April 2026)

But it appears that part of Bullock’s healing journey includes returning to work, as she’s set to make her return to the big screen this September with Practical Magic 2.

The Daily Mail previously reported that Bullock, who hadn’t starred in a movie since the 2022 adventure-comedy The Lost City, would make her long-awaited return to acting ‘in her own time and on her own terms,’ especially if there was a project she couldn’t pass up.

Back in April, Bullock surprised fans when she made her debut on Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the Practical Magic 2 set. She has also slowly begun to re-enter the public eye, attending events like CinemaCon with Kidman last April and appearing on Bateman’s podcast. 

While the first insider suggested that Bullock may feel a little ‘awkward’ diving back into Hollywood after her years-long hiatus, the star’s return to the spotlight is a welcomed change for fans.

‘She has to do press again, which she has not done in a while, so that is awkward for her,’ they said. ‘That is why she started her Instagram page. Everyone was like, “You have to do it.”‘

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Bullock for comment.

Explosive Weather Shift: Early Week Heatwave Gives Way to Approaching Storms – Know the Timeline

ORLANDO, Fla. – As Central Florida embarks on a new week, residents can expect sizzling temperatures alongside scattered afternoon thunderstorms. However, the likelihood of rain is set to rise midweek, with an influx of moisture making its way back to the region.

EARLY WEEK

Today, a brief spell of drier air is sweeping across Central Florida, slightly curbing storm development. Consequently, the probability of rainfall will hover between 30% and 40% for both Monday and Tuesday, offering a slight reprieve.

The majority of these storms are anticipated to erupt during the afternoon, triggered as the sea breeze progresses inland. Some of these storms could extend their presence into the evening hours.

Residents should prepare for heat, with temperatures soaring into the low to mid-90s. When factoring in humidity, heat indices could climb to sweltering levels between 100 and 107 degrees.

MID-LATE WEEK

By Wednesday, the return of typical moisture levels will likely result in a greater frequency of afternoon thunderstorms, blanketing the area with more comprehensive storm activity.

Rain chances increase to 50% to 70% each afternoon from Wednesday through Friday as the sea breeze becomes the main trigger for showers and thunderstorms.

Storms will favor the afternoon and early evening, with some activity potentially lingering into the evening hours.

Temperatures remain in the low to mid 90s, with heat index values between 100 and 107 degrees.

Husband Claims Wife Shot Herself on Highway, Resulting in Her Death, Police Investigate

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Left: Jeremy Perrien (Scott County Sheriff’s Office). Right: Shelby Perrien (Caudle Funeral Home).

In a shocking incident on a Missouri highway, a fire chief allegedly shot his wife during their drive, resulting in her tragic death. Despite initial claims to authorities of a suicide, text messages have brought devastating allegations of abuse to light.

The suspect, 45-year-old Jeremy Perrien, faces grave charges. The legal accusations include second-degree murder, felony harassment, domestic assault, and tampering with evidence, as confirmed by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. His arrest occurred on Friday morning, drawing widespread attention.

According to an arrest affidavit, 31-year-old Shelby Perrien was discovered deceased in the early hours of June 29, 2025, inside a vehicle parked on I-55. This location, set approximately 130 miles from St. Louis in Scott County, became the site of conflicting narratives. Jeremy Perrien, present at the scene, asserted that Shelby had taken her own life.

Detailing the night’s events, Jeremy explained to Missouri Highway Patrol troopers that the couple had been out for drinks at Cape Girardeau’s Hotshots bar. He claimed that while driving home, an inebriated Shelby uttered, “I’m sorry I’m a piece of s—,” before allegedly using a .380 handgun to fatally wound herself.

Jeremy Perrien said he drove for about a mile before pulling over. He initially claimed the conversations in the car were “non-argumentative,” although he admitted to deleting text messages between them, cops wrote.

But investigators reviewing the contents of the victim’s phone provided insight into their volatile marital relationship. Under the “hidden folder,” a video captured an argument between them from about a month before her death.

It showed Shelby Perrien sitting on her bed as her husband argued with her. Jeremy Perrien allegedly pulled off his hat and hit her with it several times.

“I would not get mouthy with me,” he allegedly said. “… I want to kill you so f—ing bad right now.”

He went on to say he wanted to “smash her face” before he began choking her with both hands, cops wrote. He also allegedly punched her several times in the ribs.

The suspect took his wedding ring off and threw it at her, the affidavit stated.

“Take that motherf—r, I’m never wearing that son of a b— again,” he said.

Jeremy Perrien allegedly punched her in the ribs again and threw her to the ground.

Cops said the video on her phone lasted about 90 seconds.

Eventually, the defendant admitted to having an argument with his wife on the night of her death, but claimed he was not physical with her. He said they started arguing when he said he wanted to leave the bar but she wanted to stay. He said they were in the “swingers” lifestyle and were at the bar to pick someone up.

Asked why he deleted the text messages, he said “quite frankly, I think I made her kill herself,” cops wrote. But he didn’t sound so contrite.

“It’s an argument,” he allegedly said. “It doesn’t take away from her actions.”

Detectives did recover some of the messages, which contained vulgar language.

Among the messages, he allegedly sent:

“I don’t know if you figured it out or not, but sober or drunk, I’m not the f—ing one to f— around with.”

“Yeah, I really don’t give a f— how you get home, I don’t give a f— if you ever get home. I hope you get r—d and a— f—ed tonight.”

Investigators also found more text messages Jeremy Perrien allegedly wrote.

“You 100% will need a body bag if I stay with you. Each time my rage is worse,” he said in one, per cops.

In another, cops say he wrote: “I’d be lying to you if I told you that I was hoping that you wouldn’t commit suicide. I didn’t stop you and I told you to take more because it wasn’t enough; you were just gonna ruin the day.”

After an investigation lasting more than a year, detectives determined blood evidence from the car pointed to Jeremy Perrien shoot his wife from the driver’s seat.

Jeremy Perrien served as the assistant fire chief for Scott County. He also was a reserve deputy for the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

“We understand that people have been asking questions about this case for some time. We have also seen and heard accusations that the Scott County Sheriff’s Office was somehow covering for Mr. Perrien because of his association with law enforcement,” Sheriff Derick Wheetley wrote in a Facebook post. “I want to be absolutely clear: that was never the case.”

Wheetley said the sheriff’s office handed off the case to the Missouri Highway Patrol and Attorney General’s Office to avoid any conflicts of interest. He said he knew both the suspect and victim.

“I worked alongside Jeremy at numerous fire scenes and calls for service,” the sheriff said. “This has never been something I took lightly, and I wanted the truth just as much as Shelby’s family, friends, and this community did.”

Jeremy Perrien remains at the Stoddard County Jail without bond. His next court date is not listed.

Shelby Perrien was “above all, a devoted mother.”

“Her love for her children was both profound and fierce,” her obituary said. “She served as the cornerstone of her family.”

The post ‘You 100% will need a body bag’: Husband kills wife as they were driving down highway, tells police she called herself ‘a piece of s—’ before shooting herself, cops say first appeared on Law & Crime.

Farrah Brittany Unveils Zach Goldsmith as Baby’s Father in Emotional Gender Reveal Celebration

Farrah Brittany Reveals Her Baby's Father is 'Buying Beverly Hills' Costar Zach Goldsmith Amid Her Gender Reveal

Credit: Instagram/FarrahBritt, Instagram/ZachGoldsmith

In a surprising twist that left followers buzzing, fans of the wildly popular The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Buying Beverly Hills discovered that Kyle Richards’ daughter, Farrah Brittany Aldjufrie, is expecting her first child.

This delightful news was brought to light last month when Farrah took to Instagram to share images of her sonogram, announcing that her little one is set to arrive this November.

Adding to the excitement, Farrah recently posted a video on TikTok detailing her gender reveal celebration, as well as officially confirming that Zach Goldsmith is the father of her baby.

As fans of Buying Beverly Hills recall, Zach was a star on the show and worked at real estate firm The Agency alongside Farrah, 37.

The TikTok began with Farrah’s half-sister Alexia Umansky speaking.

“Whether Farrah is having a baby boy or a baby girl –I don’t even know how to explain how excited I am,” she stated. “I feel like this is my baby that’s being born. I feel like it’s a boy. I’ve kind of had that feeling this whole time, but because I’ve been feeling it the whole time, I also feel like I’m going to be proven wrong and it’s going to end up being a girl. I cannot wait to find out what we’re having. It’s a very exciting day.”

Alexia, 30, then said she was stopping at the craft store Michaels to get balloons.

@farrahbrittany

@Zach Goldsmith and I are having a….

♬ original sound – Farrah Brittany

“I secured the balloons,” she said. “I know it’s not much, but we’re very eager to know what our baby is, and we cannot wait any longer. I keep referring to this baby as ‘our baby’ because it is our baby. Gender results came in this morning. My cousin logged on to her portal, and she is the only one that knows the gender.”

“Guys, look at this!” she continued. “She picked up some pink and blue balloons, and my cousin is going to put together a little reveal situation. I got these little cat collars for Farrah’s kitty… I’m going to have my cousin put on whichever one is the correct gender. Now I’m heading to Hermès to pick up a little present for her. I don’t know what’s in the box because it’s either pink or blue, but the girl at Hermès knows what’s in the box, so she’s just going to hand it to me wrapped.”

Farrah Brittany and Zach Goldsmith find out they’re having a boy! Credit: Tiktok/Farrahbrittany

“What’s it going to be? What is it going to be?” she kept wondering.

“I hope that they know that I don’t know the gender, because I do not want them to spoil it,” Alexia added. 

Later, alongside all of her family, Farrah and Zach found out they’re having a boy.

Zack appears to be married to choreographer and dance instructor Jennifer Hamilton-Goldsmith and shares two sons with her. It has been speculated for a while now that he is separated from his wife. 

Prior to having a baby with Zach, Farrah was previously engaged to Alex Manos in 2021. She announced their ‘sad’ split in 2024.

Inside Look: Ryanair Cabin Footage Reveals Moment After Window Shatters

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Startling new footage from a Ryanair flight captures the tense moments following a terrifying incident where a window shattered, nearly pulling a passenger out of the aircraft.

The chaotic event unfolded as Ljubisa Karovic, 61, was seated in 11F on a flight from Thessaloniki, Greece, to Memmingen, Germany. Just 20 minutes after takeoff on the morning of July 10, a window failure sucked his shoulder, arm, and head outside.

Reports indicate that parts from a damaged engine struck the cabin window at an altitude of 16,000 feet, causing a rapid cabin depressurization. This sudden change attempted to pull Karovic through the opening while his wife desperately clung to him.

The dramatic video, shared by 60 Minutes Australia, depicts panicked passengers with oxygen masks over their faces as debris flew and howling winds filled the cabin.

Amidst the chaos, fellow travelers were seen valiantly trying to keep Karovic inside. The struggle reportedly endured for nearly two minutes before he was safely pulled back into the cabin.

Eleni Kyranou, 33, was among those who held onto Mr Karovic with all her might.

‘I did what I could to help a person, to save a life,’ she told the program.

‘But it still haunts me, the images and the sound has stayed with me.’ 

Ljubisa Karovic (pictured being held by passengers) was half-sucked out of a Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany on July 10.

Ljubisa Karovic (pictured being held by passengers) was half-sucked out of a Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany on July 10

Mr Karovic (above) spent up to two minutes outside the aircraft and suffered injuries to his neck and shoudlers.

Mr Karovic (above) spent up to two minutes outside the aircraft and suffered injuries to his neck and shoudlers

Sofia Lavou managed to film the horrific incident. She’d believed the plane was going to crash and hoped the footage would help bring closure.

‘I said, ‘If I’m going down, at least I will have some proof of what happened’,’ Ms Lavou said.

The Daily Mail spoke to Mr Karovic two weeks after the ordeal, during which he had spent six days in hospital.

He said: ‘I only remember hearing the explosion, not much else. I can remember sitting in my seat and was looking forward to seeing my brother because the whole family was getting together to surprise him for his 60th birthday.

‘I fell asleep quite quickly as I usually do on flights. Then there was this deafening explosion, which startled me.’

Witnesses describe him as dangling diagonally out of the aircraft ‘like Superman flying through the air’, as the wind lashed his face, contorting it out of shape as if he was a cartoon character.

Ljubisa said he now suffers with acute neck and shoulder pain, and had to wear a neck brace for six weeks. Doctors warned him that he may require an operation if the pain continues.

He was also treated for burns to his face and right hand and arm caused by the high velocity wind lashing his upper torso.

Preliminary reports from investigators suggest broken engine parts shattered the window (above)

Preliminary reports from investigators suggest broken engine parts shattered the window (above)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the US is leading the investigation into the incident. 

The move is in line with international aviation rules, as the Boeing jet was assembled in America.

A preliminary report from the agency has found the fan blade broke – though the reason for this has not yet been determined.

Maintenance records show the blades in the right engine had been inspected in May 2026 and November 2025, with no damage found. 

But flight crews had reported four suspected bird strikes to the same engine over the previous year, according to the NTSB. 

Bird remains were found after two of them.

Ryanair earlier this month said it would not comment further until the NTSB investigation is complete.

Kavan Smith’s Rare Hallmark Miss: Why This Film Didn’t Win Over Fans

Kavan Smith, a prominent figure in the Hallmark movie universe, has charmed fans with his performances in several films. However, his 2021 release, “You Had Me At Aloha,” left some viewers longing for more. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Hawaii, Smith and co-star Pascale Hutton portray rival travel show hosts who eventually find common ground—and romance. This dynamic duo has previously starred together in films like “The Perfect Bride” and “Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement,” building a reputation as one of Hallmark’s most captivating pairs.

Despite their undeniable on-screen chemistry, certain facets of “You Had Me At Aloha” missed the mark with fans. A Reddit user dissected the film, singling out Smith’s character, Ben, as problematic. Initially, Ben’s self-centered nature is apparent, causing viewers to feel disenchanted as he slowly evolves through his relationship with Paige, the character played by Hutton. However, the Redditor claimed Ben remained “annoying and uncaring,” and ultimately, the character was hard to sympathize with. Another viewer expressed disappointment, sharing, “I watched the movie hoping it would uplift me, but it didn’t. I was let down.”

You Had Me At Aloha — but not for some Hallmark fans

Adding to the chorus of criticism, Honolulu Magazine offered an entertaining list of 55 thoughts sparked by watching the movie, many of which were less than favorable. Among the amusing observations was the tendency for Hallmark’s female leads, such as Hutton’s Paige, to appear impeccably glamorous, even for activities as casual as snorkeling. This highlights the often unspoken rule in Hallmark films—stars must radiate beauty in every scene, practicalities aside.

Despite a history of successful pairings, the chemistry between Smith and Hutton somehow failed to captivate in this particular film. As one Reddit user commented, “The chemistry was more sibling-like, and the kiss was the most disappointing I have seen in a Hallmark movie.” Typically, a well-executed final kiss is the crowning moment in romantic comedies, even though the actors often find it challenging to film.

While audiences appreciated the casting choices, many critiqued the screenplay for falling short. A Facebook user expressed, “It was massively hyped beforehand. I love the actors, but the plot and dialogue didn’t meet my expectations.” Others simply labeled the movie a “snoozefest.” It seems “You Had Me At Aloha” might have benefited from a softer lead, fresh faces, and more engaging writing to match the splendor of its Hawaiian setting. Fans eagerly await the next Smith and Hutton collaboration, hoping it will recapture their affections.

Unmasking the Truth: Democratic Socialists or Strategic Scammers?

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There’s undeniable satisfaction in watching the exposure of numerous so-called “commie cosplayers” as their charades unravel — and the revelations just keep rolling in.

Take, for instance, DSA-NYC co-chair Gustavo Gordillo. Not only do his parents finance the extensive renovations of their $1.5 million property purchased for Gordillo and his brother in Bedford-Stuyvesant, but he is also employing non-union workers to carry out the project. Adding to the controversy, the local community board has expressed its disapproval of the renovation plans, criticizing the proposed “beach house” design as a stark contrast to the historic character of the area.

Moreover, Gordillo’s boastful claims about his membership in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have recently fallen flat, as reports suggest he was suspended due to neglect in fulfilling his apprenticeship duties.

In a related issue, Gordillo allegedly failed to pay rent for three months to his landlord in Crown Heights, where he resided while awaiting his Bed-Stuy renovation’s completion.

Joining Gordillo in these questionable antics is Morris Katz, a campaign consultant with a penchant for supporting leftist candidates like Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former Maine contender Graham Platner. Katz, too, allegedly left a trail of unpaid rent — to the tune of $14,000 — and vacated his Williamsburg apartment leaving it in complete disarray, scattered with trash.

“When you come from a rich family, you don’t have your priorities in order,” that building’s super, Felix Barbosa, told The Post.

We don’t think that’s true for all children from wealthy families, but it does seem to apply to a lot of them who turn into ultra-lefties.

Mamdani ally Tracy Rosenthal, who grew up in her Grammy-winning dad’s posh Manhattan crib, actually brags of bankrupting her landlord with a years-long rent strike.

That African immigrant lost the building to foreclosure, amid a sad saga that for a while had the city poised to take control.

That would’ve happened under a program Mamdani’s now boosting that can hand management over to one of the nonprofits that socialist theorizers like Cea Weaver (yet another child of the elite, though not so far as we know a deadbeat) imagine are the highway to housing heaven.

All this epic, sanctimonious selfishness is simply damning for a crowd that claims to be crusading on behalf of the underprivileged: It’s far worse than mere hypocrisy.

These seriously twisted menaces to society actually claim they’ve got the moral vision to remake it; what a wonderful crew to be running City Hall.  

NYC Utilizes Cutting-Edge Genealogy Tests to Identify 9/11 Victims After 25 Years

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NEW YORK CITY — A quarter-century after the tragic events of 9/11, New York City remains committed to the task of formally identifying each of the nearly 3,000 victims who perished at the World Trade Center. Recently, a groundbreaking development has emerged in this ongoing quest.

For the first time, the city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, in partnership with the NYPD Detective Bureau, has successfully identified a victim using genetic genealogy. This innovative approach merges DNA analysis with family tree research, marking a significant advancement in forensic science.

The recently identified individual, an adult woman, is the 1,651st victim officially named. Respecting the wishes of her family, her identity remains private.

“It’s a breakthrough,” remarked Dr. Jason Graham, New York City’s chief medical examiner, during a conversation with ABC News. He expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m delighted to be able for us to apply these new techniques to identify victims from the World Trade Center attack. Forensic investigative genetic genealogy has allowed us to achieve this identification for the first time in 25 years.”

Such a scientific leap would have seemed impossible 25 years ago, as the methods were not yet developed.

“The technology really wasn’t there,” said NYPD Det. Gregory Paduoano. “There’s a lot of good future with genealogy.”

Forensic investigative genetic genealogy has helped the police solve long-term unidentified cold cases. More recently, the medical examiner’s office and the police department applied it to World Trade Center identification efforts.

“We already can see that it’s promising,” said Dr. Jennifer Odien, a forensic anthropologist in the medical examiner’s office. “Not every case is going to be able to go through genetic genealogy, but we do have DNA profiles that are not matching to our reference samples, so that’s the group right now that we’re focusing on and that hopefully is going to yield more positive results.”

There are 47 profiles that may be ripe for identification using genetic genealogy, Odien said.

That represents a small fraction of the nearly 1,100 World Trade Center victims, about 40% of the total, that remain unidentified a quarter-century after the attacks. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner made a solemn pledge to never stop trying.

“The World Trade Center was the largest mass murder in the history of the United States, and it represents also the most complex forensic identification effort in our history,” Graham said. And being able to apply new innovations to that identification work is a remarkable way that we can keep our commitment to the families.”

Copyright © 2026 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Isaac Heeney’s “In-Season Saint” Image Challenges Resurface Following Swans Star’s Hotel Gathering Ban

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Isaac Heeney once called himself an “in-season saint,” referring to his usually disciplined approach to alcohol consumption during the AFL season.

This perspective of the Sydney Swans standout emerged in a 2025 interview with News Corp when he was asked about the policies related to alcohol at AFL clubs.

His remarks have resurfaced in the spotlight following the suspension of Heeney and four of his teammates for the remainder of the 2026 season, a consequence of their actions after Sydney’s win over Essendon.

“You really only indulge when there’s an eight-day gap, like a longer break between matches,” Heeney explained during the interview.

“So if you have, say, a Saturday-to-Saturday stretch, from one game to the next, you might have a few drinks, but you still make sure to take care of yourself,” he advised.

Isaac Heeney described himself as an ‘in-season saint’ during a 2025 interview about drinking within the AFL season

Isaac Heeney described himself as an ‘in-season saint’ during a 2025 interview about drinking within the AFL season

Heeney's fiancée Steffie Waters remains engaged to the footballer amid intense scrutiny

Heeney’s fiancée Steffie Waters remains engaged to the footballer amid intense scrutiny

‘If it’s a Saturday to a Sunday game, you can have a few beers to loosen up.

‘But even then, throughout the season you generally don’t get carried away.

‘You can go and have a bit of a release and a bit of fun with the fellas or your mates or whoever it is.

‘I’m a bit of a saint in season, then loosen up in the off-season.’

The remarks have taken on fresh significance after the Swans imposed season-ending bans on Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon.

The club found the five players had breached its behavioural standards by drinking, staying out late and bringing women back to the Pullman East Melbourne hotel early last Monday morning.

The gathering took place after Sydney defeated Essendon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and secured a home qualifying final.

The bans include the entire finals series, dealing a severe blow to the club’s premiership campaign.

Publisher Allen & Unwin suspended Heeney's children's book series as commercial consequences mount following the Swans hotel scandal

Publisher Allen & Unwin suspended Heeney’s children’s book series as commercial consequences mount following the Swans hotel scandal

Victoria Police continues investigating a reported sexual assault at the hotel, with no criminal charges laid to date

Victoria Police continues investigating a reported sexual assault at the hotel, with no criminal charges laid to date

The club’s disciplinary action was imposed independently of a Victoria Police investigation into a reported sexual assault at the hotel.

No charges have been laid. It is not suggested that any of the five suspended players has been accused of sexual assault.

The players apologised collectively after accepting their sanctions.

‘We are deeply sorry to everyone involved,’ their statement said.

‘We know that our behaviour has fallen well short of the standards expected of us and the values of our Club.

‘We know we have let down our partners and families, members, supporters, teammates, the AFLW team, corporate partners and everyone at the Club and in the wider community.’

The scandal has also placed intense scrutiny on Heeney’s private life and his engagement to longtime partner Steffie Waters.

Waters was pictured without her engagement ring while staying near Noosa during the fallout, initially raising questions about the couple’s wedding.

However, a relative subsequently said the couple remained together and continued to plan their big day.

The relative explained that Waters had not been wearing her ring because it was undergoing repairs after its stone fell out.

‘They got engaged, he’s meant to be playing in a grand final, they are planning a wedding. This is meant to be the best time of their lives,’ a source said.

Heeney remained absent as Sydney defeated North Melbourne by 53 points at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Hundreds of supporters left after the preceding AFLW match, while those who remained gave the men’s team a standing ovation following its emotional victory.