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Democratic Lawmaker’s High-Speed Incident Rekindles Heated Bodycam Debate

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A high-speed incident involving a Democratic lawmaker from New Hampshire has reignited the conversation surrounding police body and dashboard cameras. Reports confirm that the sheriff’s office involved lacked both these critical pieces of technology during the stop.

State Representative Ellen Read is at the center of a legal storm after being charged following two traffic stops in Rockingham County, one of which saw her allegedly traveling at 107 mph. Read contends that these stops infringe upon a New Hampshire constitutional clause that shields lawmakers commuting to legislative sessions.

The absence of body and dashboard camera recordings in these incidents has left the court without definitive evidence, underscoring a crucial gap in documentation that could influence the ongoing debate about legislative immunity.

Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office Major Christopher Bashaw remarked that the department’s current technological shortcomings stem from insufficient budget allocations, limiting their ability to acquire body-worn and dashboard cameras.

New Hampshire state Rep. Ellen Read speaks during a political demonstration in 2015. Read is fighting two speeding cases by arguing a provision of the New Hampshire Constitution protected her from arrest while traveling to or from legislative session.

New Hampshire state Rep. Ellen Read, pictured during a political demonstration in 2015, is seeking to dismiss two speeding cases by arguing the state constitution protected her from arrest while traveling to or from legislative session. (Getty Images)

“We don’t have that either,” Bashaw said when asked whether deputies use body cameras or dashboard cameras, adding the sheriff’s office would like to equip deputies with the technology.

New Hampshire lawmakers established a Body-Worn and Dashboard Camera Fund in 2021 to provide matching grants to local law enforcement agencies for purchasing cameras and covering maintenance, replacement and data storage costs. All local law enforcement agencies are eligible to apply.

State law also requires agencies that choose to deploy body cameras to adopt policies governing when officers must record law enforcement encounters, including traffic stops. The law, however, does not require agencies to purchase or use body cameras.

Close up body camera on police officer's chest

https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/body-camera-police-istock.jpg (iStock)

It is unclear whether the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office has applied for funding through the state grant program.

Read told News Media she has consistently supported legislation governing body-worn cameras, as well as funding to help law enforcement agencies purchase them. She also said she would be willing to work with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office to help secure funding for body cameras in the next state budget.

Read said she supports funding body cameras even though she questions other forms of law enforcement spending, including military-grade equipment and expensive vehicles.

She also disputed the sheriff’s office’s assertion that she recorded part of the traffic stop on her cellphone.

A close-up of a police officer's uniform shows a body-worn camera clipped to the front of the shirt beneath a law enforcement badge.

A police officer wears a body-worn camera affixed to a uniform. New Hampshire established a matching grant program in 2021 to help law enforcement agencies purchase body-worn and dashboard cameras. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

“They are incorrect, I wish I had,” Read said. “The officers conveniently not wearing/using body cams are the reason that I’m investing in a dash cam.”

According to Read, the sheriff’s office misunderstood what happened during the stop. She said she did not record the encounter and that a witness listening during a cellphone call later testified in court.

Read has argued the constitutional provision protects lawmakers from being delayed while traveling to legislative duties—not from prosecution.

“I admitted to the officer and in court that I was going about 85 miles an hour on the highway,” she said, adding that she was willing to accept a speeding ticket but disputed the deputy’s allegation that she was traveling 107 mph and driving recklessly.

New Hampshire government

The New Hampshire State House, the state capitol building of New Hampshire, is seen on February 16, 2023 in Concord, New Hampshire. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Lawrence Friedman, a professor at New England Law, said the constitutional provision dates back centuries and was intended to prevent lawmakers from being delayed while performing their legislative duties – not to provide blanket immunity from traffic stops or criminal prosecution.

“I think it’s probably not the case that this provision provides some kind of absolute immunity,” Friedman told News Media. “It’s unlikely that a court would say, ‘No, you’re absolutely immune from arrest for a moving violation that everyone else would be subject to arrest for just because you happen to be a legislator.'”

Friedman also said the New Hampshire Supreme Court’s refusal to immediately hear Read’s constitutional challenge should not be interpreted as a ruling on the merits of her argument.

“My understanding is that it’s not that her appeal is denied,” Friedman said. “The Supreme Court said no because they want to see how it plays out at the trial court.”

Bashaw said the constitutional provision was intended to prevent law enforcement from interfering with legislative business, not to shield lawmakers from accountability for dangerous driving.

“The claim that you’re immune from all types of arrests … that’d be like saying you could drive at those speeds, commit a vehicular homicide, and that you are not allowed to be held accountable because you’re traveling to and from session,” Bashaw said.

Read acknowledged the constitutional language could be modernized while preserving its original intent.

“I did not write this constitutional provision … it was written before cars existed,” she said.

Unlock $15 for Golden Boot Deals with Kalshi Code NYPMAX: Trade Only $10

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On Sunday, Lionel Messi has the chance to secure the coveted Golden Boot in the World Cup Final. Meanwhile, new traders can take advantage of the Kalshi promo code NYPMAX, allowing them to trade $10 and receive $15.

Ahead of the pivotal third-place match between France and England on Saturday, Messi has a commanding 58 percent probability, with France’s Kylian Mbappé at a slightly lower 48 percent.

How to use the Kalshi referral code

Kalshi users have the opportunity to engage in a variety of World Cup Final markets, including predictions on the Golden Boot, the Golden Ball, and the identity of the performer at the first-ever halftime show.

After registration, users simply need to enter the Kalshi promo code NYPMAX, verify their account details, and execute trades amounting to at least $10 to unlock the $15 bonus. It’s that straightforward.

Where is the Kalshi promotion available?

Kalshi is accessible to users residing in states and territories such as Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

What our Post expert thinks about the Golden Boot

It’s not the first time Messi reclaimed the Golden Boot lead: he did it with a crucial late equalizer against Egypt in the Round of 16, while Kylian Mbappé pulled level again with a goal against Morocco in the quarterfinals. 

Mbappé had one last opportunity to overtake Messi in France’s third-place match against England, while Messi will play for Argentina in the World Cup final. 

Entering Saturday, Messi would secure his first Golden Boot by virtue of the tiebreaker since he holds more assists than Mbappé.


Must be 18 years or older and have a legal, U.S. residential address within the applicable state, D.C., or U.S. territories. Not available in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NV, and OH.


Why Trust New York Post Betting

Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.

U.S. Responds Strongly to Iran’s Alleged Strike on American Assets in Kuwait

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In a decisive military maneuver, the United States has unleashed a powerful assault on Iranian missile stockpiles, drones, and air defense systems. This recent series of airstrikes comes as retribution following the tragic deaths of two American service members, a move that the U.S. had vowed would be met with “swift punishment.”

The strikes, which wrapped up at 11:30 pm ET, specifically targeted elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Officials confirmed these forces were behind the lethal strike on U.S. installations in Jordan last Friday.

In a striking video released by Central Command (CENTCOM), dramatic footage captured the moment U.S. forces launched a major missile from a concealed location, effectively dismantling Iranian coastal surveillance outposts and air defense mechanisms.

A statement from CENTCOM highlighted the success of these operations during the eighth consecutive night of U.S. strikes. They confirmed the neutralization of Iranian surveillance systems, maritime capabilities, and sites storing missiles and drones, emphasizing efforts to weaken Iran’s military strength.

Furthermore, CENTCOM warned of a substantial military presence, with more than 50,000 U.S. troops now strategically positioned throughout the Middle East. Described as “highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready,” these forces are prepared to respond to any threat.

IRNA, Iranian state media, reported that Qeshm Island was among the targets. Qeshm is located in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has used to block oil as a negotiating tactic. Explosions were also reported in Bandar Abbas, an Iranian city also near the Strait and  near the city of Sirik.

Meanwhile IRGC-affiliated news station Tasnim reported that Iran had struck US assets in Kuwait in retaliation for the ongoing strikes.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it targeted two US bases: Camp Buehring and the Ali Al Salem Air Base. 

The Guards Corps claimed it carried out ‘large-scale attacks with kamikaze drones’ against the bases, according to a statement cited by state media. 

Renewed military action in the region has claimed the lives of additional American soldiers.  

Iranian strikes hit the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan on Friday. In addition to the two fatalities, one service member is missing in action, and four others were medically evacuated to Jordanian hospitals in the attack. The troops have since been discharged, CENTCOM said in a statement on Saturday.

President Trump told NewsNation that the soldiers’ deaths were a ‘very sad thing.’

‘We hate to see it happen. It’s in service to our country,’ he added, before reiterating his goal of ‘never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.’ 

The deaths were the 15th and 16th among US servicemembers since the war with Iran began in February, with more than 430 others wounded. 

Shortly before Friday’s attack on Jordan, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said that the US strikes on Iran would lead to ‘unforgettable lessons,’ accusing Trump of ‘seeking to escalate the conflict.’ 

Khamenei has also called the US’s actions in the region ‘criminal,’ referring to the country as the ‘Great Satan.’

‘The Great Satan – the criminal US – has now realized that the continuation of its trouble-free, domineering presence in the region is nothing but a naive fantasy,’ he wrote on his official X account on Saturday evening. 

Hours after the US service members’ deaths were announced, Iranian state media said several IRGC missiles were fired at an unspecified vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.  

The attacks come after the US launched a barrage of missiles early on Saturday targeting ‘surveillance sites, military logistics infrastructure, underground weapons storage, and maritime capabilities,’ CENTCOM said. 

The strikes hit an electricity plant in Hormozgan and cut off the water supply to around 10,000 on Qeshm Island, while a bridge toward Iran’s main port in Bandar Abbas was disrupted due to bridge damage, according to IRNA.

The attacks have intensified the conflict’s focus on the Strait of Hormuz, an essential waterway bordering Iran that previously carried over a fifth of the world’s crude oil. 

The struggle over the Strait has seen energy prices skyrocket worldwide, with the fresh round of strikes now threatening civilian infrastructure in Iran.

‘The US has violated its commitments under the deal that was signed about a month ago and now Iran is ‘no longer implementing them,’ Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, told state TV.

Amid the recent blitz from US forces against Iran, Tehran’s energy ministry ordered citizens to turn off their air conditioning during peak hours as the country’s power grid came under strain.

The energy ministry said that the power restrictions were necessary ‘to help ensure a stable electricity supply in the southern provinces, which are currently facing extreme heat and attacks on electricity supply facilities.’

NYC’s Revolutionary Cash-for-Syringes Program Goes Permanent: A Lifesaving Initiative Solidified

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In a move that’s raised eyebrows, the Mamdani administration has permanently implemented a hotly debated initiative offering cash to drug users for returning used syringes. Critics argue this could exacerbate illicit drug usage.

This decision, which sees $3 million channelled from the city’s expansive $126 billion budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, is slated to support the Community Syringe Redemption Program by the Health Department. Participants are reimbursed 20 cents per returned syringe.

The subtle unveiling of this program came through budget documents quietly submitted to the NYC Council on June 30, right before the city’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, had his inaugural budget approved.

Addiction Response Resources, a nonprofit known for initiating a comparable setup in Boston back in 2020, will manage New York City’s version under an $11.1 million agreement extending through the following year.

Each day, participants are permitted to return as many as 50 used syringes—earning up to $10—at any of the eight designated drop-off points spread across the city: five in The Bronx, with the remaining sites in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.

There are no current plans to expand the program, which attempts to get hazardous syringes off city streets, parks and other property. It was initially approved as a pilot through legislation backed by far-left City Council members in 2022 and officially began in March 2025.

The program is being paid for through more than $189 million in settlement funds that the city secured from major opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) ripped the initiative, saying the settlement cash “should all be going toward addiction treatment services — not for paying users to turn in their needles for cash.

“All this is doing is putting money in the pockets of addicts, so they can continue to fuel their habits, rather than helping them break free of their disease.”

More than 2.3 million needles have been collected through the program since it began as a pilot nearly 16 months ago, according to the Health Department. During its first year, $292,000 in cash was handed out to more than 1,700 participants, officials said.

The program’s popularity has meant fewer needles for the Sanitation Department to pick up — but the agency insists it is devoting the same resources to needle removal in parks and other public places as it did before the program started.

Sanitation workers as of Wednesday had collected 26,229 needles this year — or nearly three times less than the 64,560 they picked up during the same period in 2025, according to the agency.

Councilman Oswald Feliz, a Bronx Democrat whose district is home to two of the drop-off sites in Fordham Heights and Tremont, credited the clean-up effort but warned about the environment the program enables.

“Too often, used syringes end up in front of schools and children’s parks, and this is an issue that should be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” he said. “We should not recklessly create conditions that can threaten the safety of vulnerable communities.”

Some admitted drug users hailed the news — but pined for more drop-off sites and no limits on how many syringes they could bring.

“It’s definitely a side hustle for me. Yeah, definitely!” crowed Tamia Wright, 43, after returning needles at Walter Gladwin Park in The Bronx on Thursday. “Right now, I’m gonna buy some weed with [the earnings] and cigarettes.”

Health Department spokesperson Rachel Vick touted the program, saying “everyone deserves to live in a community free of syringe litter” in public spaces.

“The city’s syringe redemption program allows New Yorkers in neighborhoods where we see the most complaints to help keep their communities clean, while safely disposing of medical waste and connecting people in need to nearby care,” said Vick.

“We look forward to continuing this important work in the years to come.”

Matty Healy’s Surprise LA Wedding Stuns Fans: Rocker and Taylor Swift’s Ex Marries

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In an enchanting Hollywood wedding, Matty Healy took the plunge into marital bliss, exchanging vows with model Gabbriette Bechtel on Saturday.

The 37-year-old musician, known for a past romance with Taylor Swift in 2023, celebrated this momentous occasion surrounded by star-studded guests and loved ones at the iconic Castillo del Lago, which once belonged to Madonna.

An insider shared with the Daily Mail that the couple’s nuptials unfolded beneath the famed Hollywood sign, perfectly timed with the setting sun.

Among the celebrities who joined in rejoicing the newlyweds were singer Charli XCX, actress Emily Ratajkowski, model Alex Consani, and members of Healy’s band, The 1975.

According to the source, the bride made her grand entrance in a stunning white gown, with the pair sealing their vows with a kiss precisely at 7 o’clock.

The reception also took place at the property, with Healy entertaining his guests and new wife by performing a set with The 1975. 

Matty Healy has officially said 'I do' as the rocker wed his model girlfriend Gabbriette Bechtel in a glamorous Hollywood ceremony on Saturday

Matty Healy has officially said ‘I do’ as the rocker wed his model girlfriend Gabbriette Bechtel in a glamorous Hollywood ceremony on Saturday

Healy and Bechtel were surrounded by A-list guests and family during the special milestone, which took place at Castillo del Lago, a residence previously owned by Madonna

Healy and Bechtel were surrounded by A-list guests and family during the special milestone, which took place at Castillo del Lago, a residence previously owned by Madonna

The Daily Mail has reached out to reps of Healy and Bechtel for comment, but has yet to hear back. 

Bechtel, who goes by the mononym Gabbriette, could be seen wearing a voluminous white dress with a sweetheart neckline and sculpted bodice with ruffled long sleeves. 

The full skirt of the gown fell into an intricately embroidered train. And the bride wore a sheer, white veil over her dark locks. 

Ruffled details were added along the neckline and cuffs to add an elegant flare to the dress. 

The British-born singer wore a classic black tuxedo for the big day, paired with a white dress shirt and black bowtie. For a final touch, pinned to his lapel was white corsage. 

As guests looked on, the couple exchanged vows and then, as Healy dramatically leaned his bride back, he kissed his bride in a tender, romantic gesture. 

The insider also said that the rehearsal dinner took place at Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood on Friday. 

A separate source told the Daily Mail that the couple ‘work really well together’ and are ‘absolutely in love with each other.’

The insider said that the bride walked down the aisle wearing 'a beautiful white dress and they kissed at exactly 7 o'clock'

The insider said that the bride walked down the aisle wearing ‘a beautiful white dress and they kissed at exactly 7 o’clock’

Celebrity guest cheering on the newlyweds included Charli XCX (pictured at the wedding), actress Emily Ratajkowski, model Alex Consani and Healy's The 1975 bandmates

Celebrity guest cheering on the newlyweds included Charli XCX (pictured at the wedding), actress Emily Ratajkowski, model Alex Consani and Healy’s The 1975 bandmates

A source told the Daily Mail that the couple 'work really well together' and are 'absolutely in love with each other'

A source told the Daily Mail that the couple ‘work really well together’ and are ‘absolutely in love with each other’

Both families of the bride and groom are also ‘very close.’ 

‘The right person came along that made him want to settle down,’ the source continued. ‘It’s not surprising – they’re such a good fit that it makes sense.’ 

Healy and Bechtel are ‘such a good fit’ that the wedding ‘makes sense’ as the next step in their relationship. The insider said that Bechtel is ‘the whole package.’ 

The couple may stay in Los Angeles rather than moving to the U.K. due to the bride’s family being from Southern California, per the source.

Just weeks earlier on July 3, Healy’s ex Swift tied the knot to Travis Kelce during a lavish wedding at Madison Square Garden in NYC. 

In regards to the timing of the rocker’s wedding over the weekend, the source said that Healy and Swift ‘started dating these people at the same time; it’s not that unusual.’ 

Healy and Bechtel announced their engagement in 2024 after a whirlwind nine-month romance.

It was recently revealed that Healy’s parents Denise Welch and Tim Healy reportedly flew to the U.S. last week for last-minute preparations ahead of the nuptials. 

Healy and Bechtel are 'such a good fit' that the wedding 'makes sense' as the next step in their relationship. The insider said that Bechtel is 'the whole package'; Bechtel seen in March in Paris

Healy and Bechtel are ‘such a good fit’ that the wedding ‘makes sense’ as the next step in their relationship. The insider said that Bechtel is ‘the whole package’; Bechtel seen in March in Paris 

Just weeks earlier on July 3, Healy's ex Swift tied the knot to Travis Kelce during a lavish wedding at Madison Square Garden in NYC; Swift and Kelce seen in March in L.A.

Just weeks earlier on July 3, Healy’s ex Swift tied the knot to Travis Kelce during a lavish wedding at Madison Square Garden in NYC; Swift and Kelce seen in March in L.A. 

Healy celebrated his bachelor party last weekend with a watch party for England’s World Cup victory over Norway, followed by another party with his bandmates earlier this week.

Last month, Bechtel shared snaps of her Las Vegas bachelorette party in a white bejeweled bra and matching pants, before changing into a bridal-inspired boucle suit.

The star later changed into a stylish white suit jacket and figure-hugging skirt as she posed beside huge ‘Mrs Healy’ balloons.

Flaunting her abs in a tiny white strapless top and mini skirt, Bechtel snapped a mirror selfie with her friend who held a large sign with Healy’s face on it.

Guests at the bachelorette also received T-shirts which read: ‘I survived Gabbriette’s bachelorette Las Vegas 2026.’

According to The Sun, Healy and Bechtel have already splashed out more than £100,000 (around $134,000) on flights to fly their nearest and dearest out to California for the celebrations.

Healy proposed to Bechtel after a whirlwind nine-month romance and presented her with a large dark rock.

The pair have been linked since September 2023, following Healy’s split from Swift that June, when they were spotted enjoying a steamy PDA in New York City.

Last month, Bechtel shared snaps of her Las Vegas bachelorette party in a white bejeweled bra and matching pants, before changing into a bridal-inspired boucle suit

Last month, Bechtel shared snaps of her Las Vegas bachelorette party in a white bejeweled bra and matching pants, before changing into a bridal-inspired boucle suit

The pair have been linked since September 2023, following Healy's split from Swift that June, when they were spotted enjoying a steamy PDA in New York City; Swift and Healy seen in May 2023 in NYC

The pair have been linked since September 2023, following Healy’s split from Swift that June, when they were spotted enjoying a steamy PDA in New York City; Swift and Healy seen in May 2023 in NYC 

Healy’s mother, who first met Bechtel five months into the romance, gushed: ‘We couldn’t be happier. She is everything I would want in a daughter-in-law.’

The Loose Women star explained that the couple had broken the news to their loved ones ‘a few weeks’ prior.

‘I have known for a few weeks that Matty got engaged,’ she told her co-stars. ‘They went over to see their friends Charli and George in New York.’

The proud mom revealed that Healy had a distinctive ring custom-made, gushing: ‘Black diamond, he had it made for her, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.’ 

Shocking Truth Revealed: Shannon Beador Allegedly Tried to Get RHOC Co-Star Fired Over Safety Concerns

Amid the glitzy drama of reality TV, stories often unravel behind the scenes that never make it onto our screens. Katie Ginella, a former participant on the Real Housewives of Orange County, claims she was ousted from the show after fellow cast member, Shannon Beador, reportedly voiced concerns about feeling “unsafe” around her. According to Katie, this sentiment was conveyed to production staff, leading to her eventual departure from the series. She also hinted that certain actions she wished to take were allegedly blocked by Bravo.

Katie Ginella Says She Heard That Shannon Beador “Told Someone in Production” That She Felt “Unsafe” around Katie, and Her Castmates “Banded Together” to Oust Katie from RHOC

The turbulence for Katie appeared to escalate during the filming of season 19 when her co-star, Emily Simpson, hosted an event featuring a lie detector test. The polygraph results painted Katie in an unfavorable light, labeling her as deceptive on every question. However, Katie countered these claims by accusing the lie-detector operators of being mere actors and suggesting the test results were manipulated. Following this incident, Katie was notably absent from filming for the remainder of the season, culminating in her dismissal from the show.

Offering her perspective on the Podcast, Undressed with Pol’ and Patrik, Katie shared, “I was informed that Shannon expressed to someone in production her feelings of insecurity around me, claiming I wasn’t a safe individual.” She continued, “It’s clear the other women united to push me out of the show.” These revelations provide a glimpse into the complex dynamics and behind-the-curtain maneuvers of reality TV, highlighting the intense interplay of personal relationships and production decisions.

In season 19, castmate Emily Simpson hosted an event that featured a polygraph – which allegedly showed that Katie lied on every question. But Katie later accused the lie-detector team of being actors and suggested that the results were faked. After the polygraph, Katie didn’t film with the group for the rest of the season, and she was eventually fired from the show.

“I was told that Shannon told somebody in production that she felt unsafe around me, that I’m not a safe person,” said Katie on Undressed with Pol’ and Patrik. “But I do know that the women banded together to get me off that show.”

“And when you’re working for a big corporation, those words [like ‘unsafe’] mean something,” she continued. “When you say those words, they have to take it seriously, even though I’m not an unsafe person. I think that’s what started the ball rolling for them getting together and saying, ‘She needs to be off.’”

According to Katie, Bravo “wouldn’t let me do anything.”

“I couldn’t even go to Cynthia Bailey‘s birthday party,” she said. “They wouldn’t let me go to that.”

Earlier this month on Pink Politics, Katie revealed what made her uncomfortable on RHOC.

“The biggest thing that made me uncomfortable was … when I hosted Hotpot,” Katie shared at the time. “It was horrible. All [the castmates] did was make fun of the food. And this is a food that is deep-rooted in Asian communities. And you are making fun of it.”

“Emily putting an egg in her purse and trying to make this all a joke, it’s not funny,” she continued. “Also, if you remember, she hosted that lie detector test with those actors — for a Persian New Year party. How are we not talking about how she literally villainized a day that Persians celebrate?”

New episodes of The Real Housewives of Orange County air Thursday nights on Bravo.

Hanson Sparks Controversy at UK Conference: “No Apology Needed for Being White

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Addressing a largely conservative audience in London, Pauline Hanson asserted that there is no need to apologize for being white. Her remarks come amid intensifying criticism over her views on immigration and transgender issues.

During her speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held on Saturday morning in the UK, the leader of Australia’s One Nation party claimed that the country has been “flooded” by migrants. She also criticized what she termed Australia’s “complete” embrace of being “woke” about transgender rights.

This speech concluded her high-profile tour of Europe, which also featured an interview on a podcast with Tommy Robinson, an English anti-immigration activist who has a criminal record, and an appearance at a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Italy alongside Gina Rinehart, a billionaire donor to One Nation.

“I’ve received feedback from Australia, with the media questioning how I could associate with Tommy Robinson and why I would choose to speak with him,” Hanson remarked to a conference room audience that appeared to be less than one-third filled, based on video shared online.

“Do not apologize for being white. I’m tired of discussions about white privilege,” she declared.

Hanson also said Australia was “too stupid” to get its laws around discrimination against transgender people right and praised a UK court decision that ruled the legal definition of a woman depended on their biological sex.

“There’s going to be so much psychological damage that’s going to be done to our future generations,” she said.

Hanson had already come under fire in Australia earlier in the week for her interview with Robinson, in which she pointed to the scrapping of the White Australia policy as the root cause of migration issues in the country.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed those comments on Saturday, saying it was important to remember that the racially discriminatory immigration policy was dismantled by both sides of politics and challenged the Opposition leader to rule out any future political deals with One Nation.

Hanson later released a video on social media saying allegations that she wanted to reintroduce the White Australia policy were false. “Never, ever have I advocated that, and I don’t believe in that,” she said.

“Yes, I’ve been strong on immigration. Bringing the right people into the country in a measured way and people who want to assimilate and be Australians.”

‘It’s farcical’

Other speakers at the London CPAC event included Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and short-lived former Tory prime minister Liz Truss.

After an earlier meeting with Farage fell over due to his resignation from the UK parliament to re-contest his seat, Hanson and the Reform leader met briefly on the sidelines of the conference.

Hanson also told the conference that Australia had brought in too many immigrants, and this was putting too much pressure on the housing system.

She also said migrants should want to be Australian and not introduce cultures that were “incompatible” with the Australian way of life.

“Do I want Sharia Law? No way in the whole wide world,” she said.

“Do I want child marriages? No.”

“Do I want the burqa seen on our streets. No.”

Gamel Kheir from the Lebanese Muslim Association — who spoke to SBS News on Saturday about similar comments Hanson made during her Tommy Robinson interview — challenged the One Nation leader to provide evidence of such claims.

“If she’s going to throw that sort of slur that we somehow practice Sharia law, where is the evidence for that?” he said.

“I have yet to meet anyone Muslim or non-Muslim who advocates for their own law in contrast and in competition with the Australian law. It’s farcical.”

Backlash grows

Asked about Hanson’s remarks, Liberal moderate and frontbencher Andrew Bragg said Hanson was going out of her way to make life harder for minorities.

“The idea that there’s a spectre of transgender people taking over Australia, I just think is insane,” he told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday.

However, he refused to be drawn on whether the Coalition should rule out a potential preference deal with One Nation at the next federal election.

Instead, he extended his criticism to the government, insisting that picking between Labor and One Nation would be difficult as both were “terrible”.

In early June, polling emerged that suggested One Nation was Australia’s most popular political party. While more recent surveys have indicated a drop in primary support for One Nation, the party remains ahead of the Coalition.

Deputy Liberal leader Jane Hume told Sky News on Sunday that Hanson’s comments about the White Australia policy were “unnecessary”, “divisive”, “inflammatory” and “totally un-Australian”.

She said that, in her discussions with Australians, no-one had brought up the racially discriminatory immigration scheme or the idea of banning the burqa.

NSW Premier Chris Minns added that it was “blatantly unfair” and untrue to blame non-white migrants for any problems that existed in Australia, adding that any attempt to return to past discriminatory policies would undermine the nation’s standing.

“That would make Australia a pariah nation, probably one of the only in the world that had that kind of race-based immigration policies,” he said.


Community Rallies Around 7-Year-Old After Heartbreaking Birthday Setback

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In Wyoming, a 7-year-old girl’s birthday turned unexpectedly heartwarming when her loneliness was replaced by the kindness of strangers. Initially deserted by her young friends, who canceled their plans, she received a delightful surprise as new faces showed up to celebrate alongside her.

Chloe Blanden found herself at a pizzeria in Cody, Wyoming, with her family amidst festive decorations and a delicious birthday cake—but none of the invited guests were there. Last weekend, her mother, Melanie O’Donnell, took to a local Facebook group, reaching out in an emotional appeal as a last resort.

“Making friends has been tough for Chloe, and I was desperate for her to experience a wonderful day,” O’Donnell explained to Cowboy State Daily, clearly moved by the situation.

Originally set to be an outdoor event in a park, the birthday party was relocated indoors due to sweltering temperatures. However, even this adjustment was not enough to retain the guests, who ultimately decided not to attend.

“Our decorations were all in place, a large cake ready to be shared, but it was just us sitting alone in the downstairs arcade center,” recounted O’Donnell, reflecting on what had seemed like a disappointing day.

O’Donnell, whose family moved to Cody earlier this year, asked local parents if anyone with children could stop by the party.

More than 150 people responded to the Facebook post within minutes and about 15 families showed up at the pizzeria with gifts for Chloe.

Chloe has developmental challenges that have made it difficult for her to make friends, the outlet reported.

“The people who showed up were complete strangers, but they all acted as if they had always known each other,” O’Donnell said.

“The children were so sweet and well behaved. Chloe had an amazing time.”

She also said a man in Montana sent $25 through Venmo so Chloe could receive another birthday gift.

The family relocated to Cody after the deaths of O’Donnell’s mother and grandmother.

Following the party, O’Donnell shared a Facebook post reflecting on her daughter’s birthday and those of her late relatives.

“So many birthdays this week. Mom’s 2nd birthday in heaven. You would have hit retirement age this year. Chloe’s 7th birthday. You had such a special birthday this year. Grandma Decker’s 1st birthday in heaven,” she wrote.

“All these amazing women who are a part of me and the young woman my daughter is becoming. All my strength has come from you all.”

Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis later shared the story on X, writing, “So glad to see Cody rally around Chloe and help make her 7th birthday memorable. Happy birthday, Chloe!!”

Do Young Royals Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie Realize Their Aristocratic Legacy?

In an attempt to provide a normal upbringing, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have opted to keep their son, Prince Archie, and their daughter, Princess Lilibet, blissfully unaware of their royal heritage. Since their move from the UK to the United States in 2020, the couple has diligently shielded their children from the media glare and the heavy mantle of royalty. A close family friend recently shared with Hello! magazine, “The children are blissfully ignorant of their royal ties, thanks to their parents’ efforts to let them enjoy the carefree life of any other kids.”

The longstanding tensions between Prince Harry and Prince William have further complicated Archie and Lilibet’s connections with their royal relatives, leaving the children with limited interaction with the family. Though distance provides a temporary reprieve, the inevitable revelation of their heritage looms. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond remarked, “Their lack of awareness now is perhaps a relief, but the eventual truth of their heritage and estrangement will become evident,” in a conversation with OK! in 2024.

Bond added that navigating this revelation will require careful handling. “For now, they remain blissfully unaware, but Harry and Meghan face a bittersweet path ahead as they eventually introduce their children to their true identity,” she said, underlining Harry’s probable paternal concerns. Their visit to King Charles III in July 2026 marked a milestone for Archie and Lilibet, then aged 7 and 5, offering a glimpse into a reality that will soon become apparent to them.

Prince Harry’s childhood inspired his approach to fatherhood

Choosing to raise his family away from the royal fold was no trivial decision for Prince Harry. However, his priority remains ensuring Archie and Lilibet experience a childhood untouched by the pressures he once faced. As Jennie Bond told OK!, “Harry’s own troubled childhood has likely intensified his determination to envelop his children in love and insulate them from the harsh spotlight.”

Harry’s early years were deeply affected by the public fallout from the turbulent marriage of Princess Diana and King Charles. By age eight, he was already caught in the throes of his parents’ separation. This experience shaped Harry’s commitment to protecting his children from similar upheaval. A source emphasized to People magazine, “The agenda is all about fostering individual expression, unhindered by public scrutiny—something incredibly important to Harry, who knows all too well what it means to grow up under the spotlight.”

Harry and Meghan Markle established that they wanted their kids to have as normal an upbringing as possible long before they started their family and broke ties with the royals. “[Harry and Meghan’s] children are expected to one day have regular jobs, and will be raised to appreciate the differences in society,” a source told Entertainment Tonight in 2018, when Meghan was pregnant with Archie.

Kylie Jenner Reveals Her Emotional Tribute to Late Family Matriarch MJ Campbell

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In a heartfelt tribute, Kylie Jenner honored the memory of her grandmother, Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Campbell, who passed away at the age of 91.

On Saturday, the 28-year-old mogul turned to Instagram Stories to post nostalgic images of her beloved grandmother. These cherished moments were showcased in a slideshow on a large display screen.

Included among the photos were endearing shots from the early 2000s capturing a young Kylie with her older sister, Kendall Jenner, now 30 years old.

Kylie also featured a breathtaking black-and-white photograph of MJ Campbell from her youth, elegantly modeling a halter-neck dress with a flowing skirt.

The Daily Mail has attempted to reach out to Kylie’s representative for a statement but has not yet received a response.

It comes after Kylie’s mom Kris Jenner, 70, announced her mom’s passing in a somber social media post shared on Thursday.

‘Today, we said goodbye to my beautiful Mommy MJ. There are no words that could ever capture what she has meant to me or the heartbreak of having to say goodbye,’ the businesswoman began in her devastating caption.

Kylie Jenner memorialized her grandmother Mary Jo 'MJ' Campbell in a special way, following her death at age 91

Kylie Jenner memorialized her grandmother Mary Jo ‘MJ’ Campbell in a special way, following her death at age 91

The 28-year-old entrepreneur took to Instagram Stories on Saturday to share precious throwback photos of the matriarch, which were projected onto a large screen

The 28-year-old entrepreneur took to Instagram Stories on Saturday to share precious throwback photos of the matriarch, which were projected onto a large screen

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Remembering her mom, she continued, ‘My mom was the heart of our family. She taught me everything that truly matters… to love your family fiercely, to be kind, to show up for the people you love, and to never take a single moment together for granted.

‘She taught us that family is everything. She showed us how to love unconditionally and how to find joy in the little moments. She showed me how to face life’s challenges with resilience and faith.

‘Mom, thank you for every sacrifice you made, every piece of wisdom you shared, and every moment you loved us so completely. I will miss our daily talks, your smile, your laughter…’

Kris added in her heartfelt tribute, which has received over four million likes, ‘Our hearts are broken, but we find comfort knowing that love like yours never truly leaves us.’

Campbell became well-known to Kardashian-Jenner fans as she made frequent appearances on the family’s reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians. 

One year ago the clan was spotted celebrating her birthday at the upscale Los Angeles restaurant The Ivy.

‘Happy birthday to my mommy MJ!!!’ Kris wrote in a social media post at the time.

She signed off using her full name: ‘I love you!!! Kristen xo.’ 

Among them were snapshots of a young Kylie alongside her older sister Kendall Jenner, 30, in the early 2000s

Among them were snapshots of a young Kylie alongside her older sister Kendall Jenner, 30, in the early 2000s

She also shared a stunning black and white photo of Campbell as a young woman, modeling a halter neck dress with a billowy skirt

She also shared a stunning black and white photo of Campbell as a young woman, modeling a halter neck dress with a billowy skirt

Kylie previously reposted old photos shared by a fan account

Kylie previously reposted old photos shared by a fan account

MJ doted on her granddaughter in an old clip

MJ doted on her granddaughter in an old clip 

And both Kylie and her sister Khloe Kardashian, 42, shared a photo of Kris and MJ with a floral birthday cake.

An up-close shot showed what looked like a classic cheesecake topped with golden, balloon-like ’91’ candles.

Kim Kardashian also paid tribute to Campbell, who she called her ‘forever twin,’ in the wake of her passing.

She posted multiple photos of them from throughout her life and wrote online, ‘My sweet Grandma MJ, my best friend, my gossip buddy, my forever twin… You taught all of us the importance of family, and those values are something we’ll carry with us forever!!!!!

‘You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman. You gave me my very first job at your store in San Diego and taught me lessons about work ethic, strength, and confidence that I’ve carried with me ever since.

‘You always believed in me, championed me, and were my safe place. You truly were the matriarch of our family, and your love is woven into all of us. I know you’re at peace now. Give Papa Harry, Aunt Karen, and my dad a hug for me. You will always be a part of me, I love you soooooo much and I will miss you forever and ever. YOU ARE THE BEST OF US!!!

‘I know you are up in heaven, looking at all of our Instagram posts of you from your sneaky finsta account you would always use lol.’