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North Augusta resident convicted of arson in Georgia church blaze

MACON, Ga. () – A resident of North Augusta has been sentenced to serve time in a federal prison after admitting to igniting a blaze at a church located in Byron, Ga.

Luke Andrew Westefeld, aged 35, received a sentence of 60 months behind bars with an additional three-year period of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell passed this judgment on July 9.

“Arson against a place of worship devastates a community deeply,” commented U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “We are committed to partnering with local, state, and federal law enforcement to ensure that those responsible face justice for such serious offenses.”

Court records reveal that Westefeld was responsible for the fire at Byron United Methodist Church, now known as Byron Heritage Church, on August 20, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Justice reported that Westefeld had broken into the church and, upon becoming displeased with several aspects, decided to set the building on fire.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Georgia Fire Marshals, and the Byron Police Department investigated the case, along with assistance from the Centerville Police Department and the GBI.

Danville Gaming Store Owner Responds to Sony’s Shift to All-Digital Game Releases

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Exciting news has emerged for gaming enthusiasts: Sony has announced a monumental shift to an entirely digital platform. Starting in 2028, the company plans to cease the sale of physical video games. This transition has been anticipated for some time, and one Central Illinois gaming store owner has long been bracing for this possibility.

The announcement came from Sony earlier this month, with company officials citing evolving consumer preferences and a growing inclination for digital purchases as the driving forces behind their decision.

Mario Reed, who owns Juke Gaming in Danville, expressed his concerns about the future of the gaming industry. Like many enthusiasts, he feels a sense of disappointment over the direction in which the industry is moving.

“They overlook the significance of physical media and the benefits that come with it, such as the ability to trade, gift, or simply cherish a tangible product,” Reed stated.

Reed has owned Juke Gaming Company for 17 years, and this era has forced him to adapt.

“So we went to online only as a retailer, and we service our community by maybe delivering in the area,” said Reed. “People would now come in, kind of like it was a museum. Not necessarily to buy, but just more to kind of look in.”

Reed said it’s likely that fewer people will trade games and consoles when things go digital.

“No one’s going to trade in their console with a library full of games,” said Reed.

And he said buying games right on your console skips physical retailers entirely, hurting businesses like the one he poured his heart into.

“Some of the smaller places still had to focus more on the media, the hard media, hard disk itself. But not necessarily the extra content,” said Reed.

But Reed still believes people will be pulling hard copies off the shelves of their favorite stores for a long time.

“On one side of my business, how terrible. I think it’s awful that you guys decided to do this,” said Reed. “On the opposite side of my business, thank you. Because out of everything that I had, that might not have been worth very much, might be worth a little bit more now.”

Reed thinks the shift will take a long time for gamers to catch onto, but, the industry is pushing ahead with the change. Grand Theft Auto VI, for example, is releasing fully digitally in the fall.

Megyn Kelly Claims Robinson’s Innocence Challenged by Love Affair Scandal

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Megyn Kelly has expressed skepticism about Tyler Robinson’s chances in court, suggesting that his transgender partner, Lance Twiggs, may have compromised his case. This follows the playing of Twiggs’s police interview during a pretrial hearing on Thursday, which Kelly believes could be detrimental to Robinson’s defense.

Robinson, who is 23 years old, stands accused of the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, an event that shocked many when it occurred this past September.

According to investigators, on the day of the murder, September 10, Robinson sent a chilling message to Twiggs, confirming that his grandfather’s hunting rifle was working ‘just fine.’ Shortly after this text exchange, the alleged shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University took place.

On her SiriusXM show, Kelly declared that this could spell disaster for Robinson’s claims of innocence. She argued that the video evidence of Twiggs’s statements paints a drastically negative picture for Robinson.

Kelly also noted her surprise that Robinson had to sit through the ordeal in court, watching as Twiggs seemingly revealed everything during his recorded testimony. This revelation could weigh heavily on the legal proceedings, potentially sealing Robinson’s fate in the eyes of the court.

‘Talk about the text messages, the letter that was found under the keyboard, the conversation the day after, an extraordinary conversation the day after,’ she said.

Kelly called the video of Twiggs’s police interview ‘helpful’ in establishing a further case against Robinson.

Twiggs said Robinson ‘had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.’ 

Megyn Kelly believes Tyler Robinson's transgender lover has doomed his case after Lance Twiggs' police interview was played at the alleged murder suspect's pretrial hearing Thursday

Megyn Kelly believes Tyler Robinson’s transgender lover has doomed his case after Lance Twiggs’ police interview was played at the alleged murder suspect’s pretrial hearing Thursday

Tyler Robinson's former roommate Lance Twiggs (above) told police the alleged assassin returned to their shared apartment after allegedly shooting Charlie Kirk and admitted he 'wished he hadn't done it'

Tyler Robinson’s former roommate Lance Twiggs (above) told police the alleged assassin returned to their shared apartment after allegedly shooting Charlie Kirk and admitted he ‘wished he hadn’t done it’

However, she described Twiggs as ‘a hot mess’ and said his testimony may not answer anything about the murder case. 

Twiggs at one point claimed Robinson returned to his shared apartment after allegedly assassinating Kirk and admitted he ‘wished he hadn’t done it.’

Twiggs said Robinson texted him to check under his computer keyboard after Kirk was shot dead on September 10, 2025, which prosecutors say read, ‘I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.’

Twiggs said the note panicked him, and when Robinson returned home the next day, the alleged assassin began pacing around their home and avoiding questions. 

Twiggs claimed Robinson eventually admitted to the assassination, and said Robinson began crying and told him he wished he ‘had not done it,’ before conceding that he was going to turn himself in. 

The moment came as Twiggs’s police interview from April 2026 was played in Robinson’s hearing with some redactions. 

Twiggs said in the interview that he and Robinson first met in 2023 and moved into a shared apartment in St George, Utah. 

He and Robinson began a romantic relationship around two months later, Twiggs told investigators.  

After Twiggs’ video statement to the police was played, prosecutors presented text messages allegedly sent between Robinson and Twiggs after Kirk was killed

In texts presented in court, Robinson allegedly discussed trying to get rid of the rifle used to shoot Kirk

In texts presented in court, Robinson allegedly discussed trying to get rid of the rifle used to shoot Kirk 

Robinson allegedly then discussed trying to get rid of the rifle used to shoot Kirk, writing: 'If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence'

Robinson allegedly then discussed trying to get rid of the rifle used to shoot Kirk, writing: ‘If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence’

Join the discussion

Should a partner’s private messages be used as key evidence in a murder case like this?

He said on the morning Kirk was assassinated, Robinson left early in the morning and claimed he had to work a long shift. 

Twiggs did not hear from him again until 11pm that night when he received a message about the note under the keyboard. 

After Twiggs’s video statement to the police was played, prosecutors presented text messages allegedly sent between Robinson and Twiggs after Kirk was killed. 

The first message shows Robinson telling Twiggs to ‘drop what you’re doing, look under my keyboard.’

Twiggs replied, ‘What? You’re joking right?… You weren’t the one who did it right?’

To which Robinson allegedly replied, ‘I am, I’m sorry.’

Robinson’s message continued, ‘I had planned to grab my rifle from my drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down. 

‘It’s quiet, almost enough to get but, there’s one vehicle lingering.’ 

Robinson allegedly then discussed trying to get rid of the rifle used to shoot Kirk, writing: ‘If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence.

‘Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they haven’t moved on. I haven’t seen anything in the news about them finding it. Will update you by midnight.’  

Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo

Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo

Erika Kirk was heard crying in court during the playing of the video

Erika Kirk was heard crying in court during the playing of the video

Twiggs then asked Robinson how long he had been planning the shooting, to which he replied: ‘A bit over a week, I believe.’

Kirk’s widow, Erika, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn, have been in the courtroom every day for the evidence hearing.

Erika Kirk was heard crying in court during the playing of the video.  

Authorities said Twiggs quickly cooperated with investigators and offered his DNA for testing, and this week prosecutors said both Twiggs’s and Robinson’s DNA were found on a towel wrapped around the murder weapon.

In his police interview shown at Thursday’s hearing, Twiggs said he was not especially interested in politics, and said he and Robinson never previously discussed Charlie Kirk before the shooting.

He said Robinson would occasionally rant about Donald Trump, but said the extent of their discussions about LGBTQ rights was about legislation the President was pushing.

When asked about engravings found on bullets at the shooting scene, Twiggs said Robinson had told him he was going on a hunting trip and asked for an engraving tool for the expedition.

Twiggs said Robinson had talked about the hunting trip in general for months, then about a month before the shooting started talking about engraving bullets.

Charlie Kirk seen moments before he was shot dead in front of a huge crowd at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025

Charlie Kirk seen moments before he was shot dead in front of a huge crowd at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 

Tyler Robinson's parents, Matt and Amber Robinson and his brothers are pictured leaving the courthouse after the fourth day of Tyler Robinson's preliminary hearing

Tyler Robinson’s parents, Matt and Amber Robinson and his brothers are pictured leaving the courthouse after the fourth day of Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing

Investigators have claimed to have found bullet casings engraved with political messages in the gun, including one reading: ‘Hey fascist! Catch!’

In the alleged confession note, which Twiggs confirmed finding in his interview with police, Robinson referred to him by his chosen name ‘Luna,’ instead of Lance.

‘If you are reading this per my text, then I am so sorry. I left the house this morning on a mission, and set an auto text,’ the note read, per the court filings. 

‘I am likely dead, or facing a lengthy prison sentence. I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it. I don’t know if I will/have succeeded, but I had hoped to make it home to you. I wish we could have lived in a world where this did not feel necessary. 

‘I wish I could have stayed for you and lived our lives together.’

A dramatic weeklong evidence hearing has been underway for Robinson, 23, who faces the death penalty if he is convicted of murdering Kirk in front of thousands of people at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

Robinson has not entered a plea in the case. His attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.

Discover the Unexpected 90s TV Star Connection to This Famous ‘Nepo Baby

Her father shines in the entertainment world as a distinguished actor and comedian, boasting a remarkable net worth of $100 million.

Renowned for lending his voice to Buzz Lightyear in Disney-Pixar’s beloved Toy Story series, he has left an indelible mark on animated cinema.

His collaboration with Tom Hanks, who played Woody, sparked a friendship that has thrived off-screen ‘to infinity and beyond,’ mirroring their on-screen camaraderie.

Beyond his famous roles, he enjoys close friendships with celebrities like Jay Leno and Richard Karn, adding to his vibrant personal life.

However, it might be his role as Father Christmas in the Santa Clause franchise that endears him most to audiences around the festive season.

Before she turned 14 this year, she made her debut into Hollywood and played his onscreen daughter in his 2022 drama series, The Santa Clauses.

She is his youngest out of the actor’s two children. She has an older sister, who has made an appearance on his show, Home Improvement.

Her father also worked with Pamela Anderson in that 90s sitcom and played the main protagonist, Tim ‘The Tool Man’ Taylor.

Who is this nepo baby?

Can you guess this Hollywood nepo baby?

Can you guess this Hollywood nepo baby?  

She is 14-year-old Elizabeth Allen-Dick, daughter of Tim Allen.

Her father is often considered a household name as he starred in a number of hit shows including Last Man Standing.

His career as a comedian kicked off after his prison release in 1981, and he rose to stardom when he started working on Home Improvement about a decade later. 

Elizabeth is his second child, whom he shares with his wife, Zoom actress Jane Hajduk, 57.

He also shares daughter Katherine ‘Kady’ Allen, 34, with his ex-wife, Laura Deibel — whom he was married from 1984 to 1989.

After making her acting debut, Elizabeth raved about the experience of working with her father on set. 

On the topic of The Santa Clauses, she said it was an ‘incredible’ experience.

‘It was just so much fun,’ she said in conversation with HollywoodLife in November 2022. 

It's Tim Allen's daughter Elizabeth Allen-Dick! The 14-year-old joined her father at opening night of MJ The Musical in Los Angeles on Thursday

It’s Tim Allen’s daughter Elizabeth Allen-Dick! The 14-year-old joined her father at opening night of MJ The Musical in Los Angeles on Thursday 

She is now following in his Hollywood footsteps as she works with him on set for the Christmas show

She is now following in his Hollywood footsteps as she works with him on set for the Christmas show 

She added that she enjoyed every single day of the two months of production and admitted: ‘It was never work to me.’

She also revealed that ‘it was never stressful’ and she was ‘never nervous’.

‘I never felt like I had one day of work throughout the two months of shooting,’ she added.

Most recently, she revealed that there is only one Saint Nick in their household, and they watch her father’s Santa Clause movies for the holiday each year. 

‘Every Christmas we watch all three of them,’ she told The New York Post while promoting the second season of The Santa Clauses.

‘We do watch other movies! Not many,’ the Hollywood vet responded. ‘We do watch other people, other actors.’

‘But he also won’t watch any other Santa Claus movies other than himself,’ Elizabeth continued about her famous father. 

Elizabeth played her real-life dad's onscreen daughter in both seasons one and two of The Santa Clauses

Elizabeth played her real-life dad’s onscreen daughter in both seasons one and two of The Santa Clauses

She is Tim's youngest daughter ¿ whom he shares with his wife Jane Hajduk; seen in November 2022

She is Tim’s youngest daughter — whom he shares with his wife Jane Hajduk; seen in November 2022

Tim and the Zoom actress, 57, have been married since 2006; seen in November 2022

Tim and the Zoom actress, 57, have been married since 2006; seen in November 2022

Her father was a longtime voice actor of Buzz Lightyear for Disney-Pixar's Toy Story franchise. He also shares daughter Katherine 'Kady' Allen, 34, with his ex-wife, Laura Deibel (not shown) ¿ whom he was married from 1984 to 1989; seen in June 2019

Her father was a longtime voice actor of Buzz Lightyear for Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story franchise. He also shares daughter Katherine ‘Kady’ Allen, 34, with his ex-wife, Laura Deibel (not shown) — whom he was married from 1984 to 1989; seen in June 2019

‘I can’t watch another Santa Claus movie,’ Tim explained. ‘Especially when they’re bad Santas. 

‘I know there are people that like the ugly Santa movies but sometimes I’m like, “Eh, I don’t know if I like bad Santas.” You know, dressed up with knives and stabbing. I don’t like that,’ he told the outlet.

On Thursday, Tim and Elizabeth enjoyed some father-daughter bonding time as they attended the opening night of MJ The Musical in Los Angeles.

At the event, they sported coordinating, all-black ensembles and showcased their identical, contagious grins. 

VeryDarkMan Unveils New Depths in ₦1.6 Billion Fraud Case Involving Nepalese Businessman

Martins Vincent Otse, a well-known figure on social media recognized as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has spoken out about the ongoing investigation into an alleged ₦1.6 billion fraud tied to a Nepalese businessman.

Through a social media post, VeryDarkMan conveyed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly taken into custody the primary suspect in this case on Wednesday night.

He mentioned that this recent action hints at a complexity in the case he previously underestimated.

He further alleged that the investigation could extend beyond the arrested suspect, claiming that the Managing Director of Azman Airlines might also be significantly linked to the case.

“The man who sc@mmed the Nepalese businessman of ₦1.6 billion was arrested yesterday night by the EFCC. This matter is deeper than I initially thought. It looks like the MD of Azman Airlines might actually be deeply involved,” VeryDarkMan stated.

Pastor Attacks Girlfriend Amid Cheating Scandal Discovery

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The Rev. Ray Montgomery

The Rev. Ray Montgomery (YouTube).

A former leader of a civil rights group, a 59-year-old pastor from California, has been convicted of assaulting his girlfriend following an incident where she discovered his infidelity at his residence.

The Rev. Ray Montgomery, found guilty of misdemeanor assault, physically attacked his 44-year-old partner in an altercation that took place on June 6, 2024, in San Jose, as reported by the Santa Clara County district attorney.

According to details from the Mercury News, the girlfriend arrived unexpectedly at Montgomery’s residence and knocked. He appeared at the door dressed only in his underwear, while another woman was present inside.

This reportedly sparked an argument that turned physical. Montgomery picked the woman up, dragged her down the hallway and squeezed her neck between his forearm and bicep. The victim temporarily lost consciousness. Once she woke up, she ran away from Montgomery, locked herself in a bathroom and called a friend who picked her up.

She suffered bruising on her neck and went to a hospital, where she reported the assault to police. The woman also claimed Montgomery tried to intimidate her into dropping the complaint. She accused Montgomery of being abusive on other occasions.

Montgomery filed a lawsuit before he was charged, claiming the victim was the aggressor and he was trying to “defuse the situation,” the Mercury News reported. The pastor noted the woman came over to his home “uninvited” while he was “entertaining a female friend.”

The lawsuit was reportedly put on hold while the criminal case progressed.

Montgomery was the executive of the People Acting in Community Together civil rights organization that aids immigrants and low-income families. He stepped down from the post after the allegations.

“We believe domestic violence victims,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. “Lawsuits and lying will never stop us from seeking justice for those who are hurt by their partners.”

Montgomery is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 8.

Explosive Developments: Investigators Head to U.S. for Interviews in Prince Andrew Accusations

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British police investigating former Prince Andrew plan to journey to the United States to interview the family of Virginia Giuffre, his long-term accuser who has now passed away, according to recent reports.

Thames Valley Police, the department tasked with probing Andrew’s alleged sexual offenses, are preparing to visit the US soon. Their objective is to speak with Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, and his wife, Amanda, as reported by the Times of London.

The Giuffre family has expressed optimism, noting that Thames Valley Police have shown considerable initiative in delving into the accusations against the former royal, as detailed in the Times.

The officers have already requested access to case files and aim to engage with some of Andrew’s former bodyguards, the report added.

However, the discussions with Sky and Amanda will not be formal interviews, as they are not regarded as direct witnesses to the allegations.

It’s not clear if Thames Valley police bosses have received permission from US authorities to carry out an interview. 

A spokesperson for the police force said it was following “all reasonable lines of inquiry,” without delving into the specifics.

Andrew was initially investigated over long-running claims by Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre that she was made to have sex with him three times — starting when she was 17 — on orders from the financier and his madam Ghislaine Maxwell.

Andrew was never charged and has always denied any wrongdoing – but paid her between $14 million and $16 million in an out-of-court settlement in February 2022. Giuffre died by suicide in April 2025 age 41.

Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February, accused of misconduct in public office after allegedly forwarding confidential trade documents to Epstein. 

In May, it was reported that the ex-prince was being probed over potential sex crimes at royal residences – including Royal Lodge.

Investigators are keen to speak with a woman, who claimed Epstein sent her to have sex with Andrew at his now-former home Royal Lodge for “sexual purposes” in 2010 when she was in her 20s.

“We hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward whenever they are ready to engage with us; our door is always open,” Oliver Wright, the Assistant Chief Constable, said, confirming the woman had not yet come forward.

“There is a risk that the victim survivors may be put off from contacting us because they feel the weight of public, national and international focus will be too much for them.”

Wright said officers would listen and investigate when “she feels ready and able … to come forward and talk to us.”

It marked the first time an Epstein accuser claimed to have had sex with Andrew at a royal residence.