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Portnoy’s Fiery Response to America’s Exit Sparks Online Frenzy

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Portnoy’s Fiery Response to America’s Exit Sparks Online Frenzy

On Monday night, frustration swiftly morphed into anger among U.S. supporters as they directed their ire at the players, criticizing their ‘pathetic’ performance that led to a World Cup exit against Belgium.

In a sold-out stadium in Seattle, the struggling American team gave up four goals, marking an underwhelming conclusion to their campaign and falling short of the expectations set for their Round of 16 match.

As soon as the game concluded, fans swiftly took to social media to voice their displeasure with the team’s lackluster showing. One fan wrote: ‘Embarrassing result. The optimist in me hopes there are enough positives from this World Cup to boost the sport here in the U.S. Nevertheless, this was a terrible way to bow out.’

Another fan commented: ‘It’s as if the team never left their bus tonight. Out of 11 players, maybe three showed glimpses of readiness for the occasion. Overall, a pathetic effort.’

Predictably, Barstool Sports chief Dave Portnoy inserted himself into the conversation, expressing his discontent through a flurry of posts on X.

‘I don’t want to hear that the future is bright for American soccer,’ he wrote in one. ‘That they should be proud. That was a disgusting effort. We’re far closer to the bottom than the top. Just not a soccer country.’

Fans gathered at watch parties around the country but were left devastated by the result

Fans gathered at watch parties around the country but were left devastated by the result

Mauricio Pochettino led the team to a worrying 4-1 loss to Belgium to mark the end of the road

Mauricio Pochettino led the team to a worrying 4-1 loss to Belgium to mark the end of the road

In another post, he added: ‘Embarrassing effort from the United States. Lights were way too bright for US soccer team. Stage way too big. If we’re gonna keep creating international incidents over soccer it may be time to institute a soccer draft.’

In a third post, amid a stream of consciousness on the social media app, he referred to the team as a ‘clown show’, and also posted a video of himself ripping his shirt off to throw it in the trash.

Elsewhere, another fan claimed: ‘Just honestly an embarrassing performance from USMNT in Round of 16. They didn’t look right from the start, & just completely off. 

‘I honestly don’t think Belgium played that great, it was USA hurting themselves with terrible mistakes that you don’t expect from a team playing at this level. At least 2 Belgium goals were easily preventable. Disappointing, I understand they’re not on Belgium’s level but they had a chance to do something special & at least be more competitive on home soil.’ 

In the game in Seattle, Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for the European giants, before a woeful goalkeeping error from Matt Freese allowed Hans Vanaken to add a third. 

In injury time, Romelu Lukaku compounded the Americans’ misery with a fourth goal, ending America’s chances of a quarterfinal match-up with Spain back in LA on Friday afternoon.

The humbling loss marked the end of the road for Mauricio Pochettino and his US team at the Round of 16 stage, with question marks now surrounding whether the $6 million-a-year coach will continue in his role.

He is approaching the end of his contract, but revealed on Monday night that he has not yet decided what comes next.

‘I think now, because we were talking with the Federation, it is [time] to rest a little bit, to have conversations and see what the decision is from the Federation and from us,’ he said after watching his team crash out of the World Cup. 

Star defender Chris Richards reacts at the full-time whistle, as negativity poured in online

Star defender Chris Richards reacts at the full-time whistle, as negativity poured in online

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku (right) celebrates after scoring Belgium's FOURTH of the game

Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku (right) celebrates after scoring Belgium’s FOURTH of the game

‘But I’m so happy, we built a very good relationship. Now is not the moment to talk about that.’ 

On the FOX broadcast, meanwhile, the likes of Alexi Lalas and Carli Lloyd were also tasked with picking through the bones of the defeat, and the latter in particular made sure to not pull any punches.

The US soccer legend, who is a two-time World Cup winner herself, said of the men’s team: ‘I just felt like they lost the game before they even stepped out onto the pitch.

‘I’m not sure why, and I don’t know the reasons, but from the beginning, just chasing, tentative. Scared, just not confident on the ball and I think big-time players – you wanted some of those big-time players to step up in big moments.’

She went on to pick out Christian Pulisic, saying of the AC Milan superstar: ‘I think, whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn’t see enough from him in this particular game. And really the whole World Cup. Little glimpses here and there.’ 

Lalas, meanwhile, said he will look back on the tournament believing that the United States ‘left something on the table’.

‘There’s a part of me that says the time for moral victories is over,’ Lalas said on FOX’s postgame show. ‘We’ve left something on the table here, and that to me is disappointing. 

Dave Portnoy, who has become a diehard US fan during the tournament, called them 'pathetic'

In a clip on X, he even ripped off his USA shirt and claimed he would throw it in the trash

Dave Portnoy, who has become a diehard US fan during the tournament, called them ‘pathetic’

Alexi Lalas said he believes the USA team 'left something on the table' at the World Cup

Alexi Lalas said he believes the USA team ‘left something on the table’ at the World Cup

‘I also know that it’s going to be disappointing to the players and to Mauricio Pochettino when they look at this game. 

‘The goals that they gave up at times were self-inflicted against a better team, but this US team has beaten better teams in the past.’

On social media, it was Pulisic taking the brunt of the abuse from devastated fans, with one claiming: ‘It’s time for Pulisic to give up the Captain America moniker.’

The team’s star man came off late in the game against Belgium with an apparent injury and he looked to be in tears as he sat on the bench alongside his teammates.

‘I like Pulisic, but for two cycles in a row he has been anointed as the star and leader… the output has yet to match the hype,’ one fan commented of the AC Milan man. 

‘The most important ability is availability, and we haven’t seen him show on the biggest stage. I’m not sure Berhalter and Tillman aren’t the midfield pieces of the future.’

Belgium Eliminates Team USA from World Cup with Commanding 4-1 Win in Round of 16

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Belgium Eliminates Team USA from World Cup with Commanding 4-1 Win in Round of 16

(FOX 5/KUSI) — Team USA entered the eagerly awaited round of 16 clash against Belgium brimming with confidence, buoyed by a sense of familiarity both with the stadium and the return of key player Folarin Balogun. As they took to a pitch they know well, hopes were high for a successful outing.

Yet, despite these advantages, the European contenders played the spoiler role with precision, as the Red Devils triumphed 4-1, thereby halting America’s advance in this year’s World Cup.

The contest took place under the lights at Seattle Stadium, the fortress of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, renowned for their stellar Monday Night Football record. Until this encounter, Team USA had never tasted defeat there, aligning with the Seahawks’ winning tradition — but that streak came to an end.

Charles De Ketelaere of Belgium competes for the ball against Matt Freese of the United States (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Belgium drew first blood in the 9th minute when Charles De Ketelaere capitalized on a defensive blunder inside the box, neatly directing a centering pass into the net. This goal marked the young Belgian star’s inaugural World Cup score.

In a spirited response, Team USA was awarded a penalty kick in the 29th minute. Malik Tillman seized the opportunity, converting a deflection off the wall to bring the U.S. onto the scoreboard. This successful strike was Tillman’s second goal of the tournament.

Malik Tillman scores his team’s first goal from a free kick at Seattle Stadium (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images).

The game was knotted at 1-1 for only 51 seconds before Belgium struck again.

In the 32nd minute, De Ketelaere got the early jump and headed it into the net for his second goal of the match, putting Belgium up 2-1.

Charles De Ketelaere of Belgium heads to score the team’s second goal. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Things didn’t get much better for the U.S. In the 35th minute, Weston McKennie was handed a yellow card.

Just when things couldn’t get any worse, they did. In the 51st minute, USA star Christian Pulisic went down with an injury, with no foul being called on the play. Pulisic was seen limping on the pitch after the clash and was eventually substituted in the 58th minute.

Belgium’s persistent pressure proved to be the gift that kept on giving, as the European club had five shots on goal at halftime compared to Team USA’s one.

Matt Freese came out of the penalty box to play a ball in the 57th minute, when he whiffed on a clearing kick, and Hans Vanaken pounced on the mistake to make it 3-1.

Charles De Ketelaere #17 of Belgium competes for the ball against Matt Freese #24 of the United States. Hans Vanaken #20 of Belgium scored on the play. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Romelu Lukaku put the final nail in the coffin for Belgium, scoring in stoppage time to give the Red Devils a 4-1 win over the U.S.

Belgium will now face Spain in the quarterfinal on Friday in Los Angeles.

Pooler City Council Delays Decision on ‘The District’ Development

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Pooler City Council Delays Decision on ‘The District’ Development

POOLER, GA. ()– On Monday evening, the people of Pooler shared both their concerns and enthusiasms regarding “The District,” a proposed expansive mixed-use development.

This ambitious project, known as “The District,” plans to feature over 1,000 apartment units, 400 hotel accommodations, a grocery store spanning 100,000 square feet, an amphitheater, and development spaces, alongside a minimum of one gas station.

“It fosters a sense of identity and provides locals with an excellent community venue, what we term as the third place – beyond home and work,” a project advocate explained. “This would indeed serve as that third place.”

During the meeting held Monday night, residents made sure their opinions were noted, with many highlighting concerns primarily about the proposed location.

The envisioned development is slated to rise at the junction of Pooler Parkway and Pine Barren Road, a spot locals describe as already heavily congested.

“There’s a reason why planning and zoning denied this,” A resident said. “It’s just not the right location. I mean, it’s a great idea. The picture would look pretty, but it’s not the right location for our community right here.”

However, some residents spoke in favor of the project. They said they have visited places such as Atlanta with atmospheres like what “The District” is proposing.

Residents said this type of multi-use space is missing in Pooler.

“I would love to have something like the district to take my kids to one day, to go myself on a Sunday afternoon for some lunch after church,” Another resident said.

At the end of the public hearing, council members had a chance to ask questions. One of their main concerns was who would be paying for the amphitheater and two proposed parking garages.

Council also asked questions surrounding traffic studies and environmental concerns.

After over two hours of discussion city council voted to postpone the vote. They shared they had a lack of information to make a vote.

Mother Moves Deceased Son from Bedroom to Porch: Police Report

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Mother Moves Deceased Son from Bedroom to Porch: Police Report

An Ohio woman is facing legal scrutiny after allegedly discovering her deceased son and opting to stay with his body on their front porch for hours before contacting authorities, officials report.

Mom allegedly failed to report son

Michelle Feudi, aged 55, was released on her own recognizance following her arrest and detention at the Lucas County Corrections Center on Sunday. According to a legal affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Feudi discovered her adult son dead in his bedroom around 2 p.m. on Saturday. Contrary to expected protocol, police claim Feudi transported her son’s body to the front porch of their Toledo, Ohio residence, leaving it there until the early hours of the next morning.

Authorities note that Feudi eventually dialed 911 on Sunday, shortly after 5 a.m., to report her 23-year-old son’s death. Police records show that upon the arrival of first responders, Feudi recounted going to awaken her son on Saturday afternoon. She described finding him “cold to the touch” and lacking a pulse, and when she attempted to move him, “blood came from his mouth,” she stated to the officers.

Michelle Feudi, 55, was released on her own recognizance after being booked into the Lucas County Corrections Center on Sunday. According to an affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, Feudi found her adult son dead in his bedroom on Saturday around 2 p.m. But rather than call 911, police said, Feudi carried her son’s body to the front porch of their home in Toledo, Ohio, and left it there until the following day.

Police said Feudi called 911 on Sunday after 5 a.m. to report that her 23-year-old son was deceased. After first responders arrived at her home, she told officers that she went to wake her son up on Saturday afternoon and found him “cold to the touch” and without a pulse. When she rolled him over, Feudi said “blood came from his mouth.”

According to the affidavit, Feudi told police that she believed her son had died. After making the discovery, she allegedly carried her son’s body to the home’s enclosed front porch. She then allegedly sat with the body on the front porch for hours before she finally called 911 the following morning, 15 hours after finding him dead.

Police did not release a cause of death for Feudi’s son.

Feudi was arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse. She was released from the Lucas County Corrections Center after her court hearing on Monday. Her next court date is scheduled for July 16 in Toledo Municipal Court.

Early Critic Reactions to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Leave Audiences Astonished

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Early Critic Reactions to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Leave Audiences Astonished

A man on a horse watching an army lift a structure in The Odyssey

Universal Pictures

The wait is nearly over for Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film adaptation of “The Odyssey,” the legendary Greek epic attributed to Homer. As early reactions pour in, the buzz around the movie is nothing short of remarkable.

Notably, Nolan and his team at Universal Pictures decided that only members of the press would see this movie early, edging out influencers and meaning that all of these first reactions come from professionals. Among them was IndieWire’s David Ehrlich, who had misgivings but was still won over on X: “The Odyssey: a surprisingly natural (and less despairing) Oppenheimer follow-up about a man haunted by defying the gods & dooming civilization – this one fights to avenge his own hubris. IMAX obviously immense. too clunky to be S-tier Nolan, but the last act rewards the journey.”

The Mary Sue’s Rachel Leishman also soundly praised the film, which is led by Matt Damon as the long-lost soldier Odysseus. “‘The Odyssey’ is as epic as its source material with that level of Christopher Nolan spark that makes it something special,” she declared. “It’s a story of love and loss and takes you on quite the journey in only the way Nolan knows how. Breathtaking, bold, and perfection.”

Erik Davis, of Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, enjoyed his extended character limit on X for his massive review. After calling “The Odyssey” an “absolute triumph and a crowning cinematic achievement from one of the great filmmakers of our time,” Davis also noted that Nolan surprisingly embraced some horror tropes and described the cast as “stacked,” doling out particular praise for Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson (who play Odysseus’ wife Penelope and the villainous Antinous, who tries to court Penelope in Odysseus’ absence). “Look, it’s the must-see cinematic event of the summer — and quite possibly the year,” Davis concluded. “I can’t wait to watch it again.” 

Christopher Nolan’s take on The Odyssey is delighting critics

Odysseus on his ship looking over his shoulder in The Odyssey

Universal Pictures

People honestly didn’t seem particularly split on the overall excellence of “The Odyssey,” if we’re all being honest. As culture writer and journalist Simon Thompson wrote on X, “Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ is flawless filmmaking, every inch as epic as you’d expect. Leading a stellar cast, Matt Damon gives Odysseus everything in a career-best powerhouse performance. Robert Pattinson is outstanding as Antinous and John Leguizamo’s Eumaeus is sublime.”

Jazz Tangcay, writing for Variety, split her reaction up into two tweets. In the first, she called the film an “astonishing achievement” and said some of the cast members are giving the best performances of their careers to date … and then she continued. “Christopher Nolan is a visionary, and ‘The Odyssey’ is a work of art,” Tangcay noted, stressing that “adapting a Homer classic is not easy” before revealing that Nolan has, somehow, “outdone himself.” (Considering that she’s talking about the Oscar-winning director of the 2023 epic “Oppenheimer,” that’s saying something.) “You could feel the passion in his storytelling. You feel the passion in the crafts and the acting,” Tangcay continued. “Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema shoots to perfection, and the crafts: costume, sound, editing and Ludwig Goransson’s score are phenomenal artistry and so visceral. The battle scenes, especially at Troy, are breathtaking. It’s an incredible epic.”

Clayton Davis, who covers award seasons at Variety, also breathlessly praised Nolan’s film. “In an epic way, #TheOdyssey feels like the Christopher Nolan take on “Hamilton.” A multicultural, generational cast anchors this sword-and-sandal epic. Matt Damon leads with grit, while Tom Holland [as Odysseus’ son Telemachus] brings the sensitivity and heart.”

Critics are united — Christopher Nolan’s take on The Odyssey is an unqualified success

Odysseus and his men in The Odyssey

Universal Pictures

Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture also took full advantage of a longer word count on X. “Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of THE ODYSSEY is as epic as movies get with some of the most breathtaking set pieces he’s ever attempted,” he wrote. “A colossal achievement of scale, even by Nolan’s standards, its commitment to capturing as much as possible in-camera using new IMAX cameras is a staggering technical feat worthy of this sprawling yet intimate story of one man’s journey to return home.”

On behalf of Discussing Film, Andrew Salazar appeared to agree with Neglia. “‘The Odyssey’ is a staggering achievement,” he wrote on X. “It boasts spectacular & even terrifying set pieces that feel like Christopher Nolan fully embracing the horrors of Greek mythology. Yet, how he tastefully recontextualizes the story for the modern day is what has kept my head buzzing.” Salazar continued in another post, writing, “In a world where pride, ego, & entitlement continue to fuel wars & endless bloodshed, Nolan uses Odysseus’ ancient tale as a channel to question what it would take for us to truly forgive our past sins. Epic and meditative in equal measure, the ending left me soaring with hope.”

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff echoed all of that: “‘The Odyssey” is a filmmaking feast. A grand and gripping rendition of Homer’s epic, and one that feels uniquely Christopher Nolan. It’s sincerely hard to imagine any other filmmaker on the planet being able to bring that source material to screen with this much scale, scope and heart.”

For those who are feeling as bewildered as Odysseus himself, catching up on the story’s essentials is recommended before heading to see the film. Make sure to do it soon, as the movie is set to premiere in theaters worldwide on Friday, July 17.

Raleigh Mayor Explores Youth Curfew After July 4th Unrest

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Raleigh Mayor Explores Youth Curfew After July 4th Unrest

Raleigh, North Carolina’s mayor, is contemplating a new strategy to curb juvenile delinquency—a curfew for minors. This consideration comes in response to the unsettling chaos and violence that marred the Independence Day weekend, culminating in multiple shootings and fights involving teenagers across the nation.

The events prompted Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell to express her concerns to WRAL News. She is now seriously considering instituting a curfew for individuals 17 years old and younger as a preventative measure.

“As Mayor, I am grateful for the Raleigh Police officers’ swift response to juvenile violence on the evening of July 4 and the morning of July 5,” Cowell remarked. She emphasized Raleigh is not immune to the surge in youth violence seen across the country. The mayor believes in engaging with youth, their families, educational institutions, and the community at large to uncover the underlying issues and align on more effective strategies.

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell

In the aftermath of the holiday disturbances, Mayor Janet Cowell has acknowledged that the city council will deliberate on the potential curfew for minors. (Getty Images)

Among the measures being contemplated is adopting a youth curfew for those 17 and under, a strategy already in place in other North Carolina cities. The mayor has indicated that city officials are considering various options, which will be on the agenda for discussion at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

News Media has reached out to Cowell’s office.

Around 5,000 teenagers showed up in Brier Creek and another 5,000 in Glenwood South, with half residing outside the city, the Raleigh Police Department said Sunday.

Raleigh police officers.

Raleigh police officers and detectives investigate a crime scene in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Raleigh police officers initially responded just after 10:05 p.m. Saturday to reports of a fight near a movie theater and nearby stores. The incident stemmed from a “teen takeover,” a social media-driven phenomenon where massive crowds of youths coordinate to suddenly congregate at public spaces like beaches, malls, or restaurants.

A large fight broke out, followed by gunshots. One adult was shot and another was injured by shattered glass caused by the shooting, police said. A juvenile was found with a gun and detained, but investigators don’t believe the teen was one of the shooters.

Hours later, at 1:35 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to multiple shootings. Six people were shot but were expected to survive.

At around 4:30 a.m., two people were shot following a fight at a gas station, police said. They were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests were made.

Investigations into the shootings are ongoing, police said.

In a Monday post on X, Cowell called teen takeovers a “disturbing national trend.”

“Now in #raleighnc . Grateful to @raleighpolice for bringing back order & protecting public. @raleighgov & whole community have work ahead to engage with youth to prevent future occurrences,” she wrote.

A large group running

In May, a large, unpermitted gathering on Tybee Island, Georgia ended in panic after police said gunfire broke out along the pier. (Tybee Island Police Department)

An Instagram post from Milk Bar, a bar in the Glenwood South area, said the actions of a few ruined the peace for patrons in the area.

“While we had zero safety incidents inside Milk Bar, we made the proactive decision alongside other businesses to close our doors, to protect our patrons and staff from the surrounding unrest,” the post states. “Gun violence and reckless behavior have no place in our nightlife scene. WE CAN DO BETTER, RALEIGH!”

New Video Evidence to be Presented in Hearing for Charlie Kirk’s Murder Case Accused

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New Video Evidence to be Presented in Hearing for Charlie Kirk’s Murder Case Accused

In Provo, Utah, prosecutors are working to convince a judge to advance the case against a man accused of killing Charlie Kirk. As the preliminary hearing unfolds, expected to span a week, Tuesday’s proceedings are set to feature crucial law enforcement video and a recorded statement from the accused’s roommate.

Opening on Monday, the court proceedings have yet to produce any groundbreaking revelations. However, they represent the most comprehensive presentation of evidence thus far against Tyler Robinson, a 23-year-old facing charges of aggravated murder in the death of Kirk, known for his alliance with former President Donald Trump.

During the hearing, Christopher Bagley, a former officer from Utah Valley University, provided testimony describing the moment he witnessed the shooting. He recounted that the conservative activist Kirk was addressing a large audience at the university on September 10 when the incident took place. Bagley revealed that he subsequently located a gravel rooftop nearby, where he believed someone had been positioned to take a shot with an unobstructed view of Kirk’s location.

“It looks like a sniper pad,” Bagley remarked as he presented his findings to the court.

Tyler Robinson has yet to enter a plea regarding the charges. His legal team has remained silent on his guilt or innocence but has made attempts to eliminate the possibility of the death penalty, though these attempts have not been successful so far.

Court will hear statement from defendant’s roommate

If prosecutors follow the order of an exhibit list they submitted earlier this year, they will present a video from the Washington County sheriff’s office from Sept. 11 — the day Robinson turned himself in — and recorded testimony from Robinson’s roommate.

Prosecutors allege Robinson confessed in a note left for his roommate, who was also his romantic partner, that read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”

Robinson also reportedly texted his roommate that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred,” prosecutors have said.

Prosecutors have also said they plan to present DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon, autopsy findings, witness statements and video of Kirk’s killing. In addition, they are expected to argue the shooting endangered others at Kirk’s campus event — an aggravating circumstance that could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law.

Kirk’s family briefly left the courtroom

Monday marked the first time Kirk’s parents, Kathryn and Robert, and widow, Erika, were in the courtroom since the case began.

Robinson’s parents also were present, sitting a few rows behind the Kirks. Robinson sat quietly between his attorneys throughout the hearing, looking at the prosecution’s exhibits on a monitor and occasionally taking notes. His wrists were shackled to a chain around his waist.

Prosecutors showed several graphic videos of Kirk’s shooting, including of the moment he was shot and security administering first aid, as they made their case to state District Judge Tony Graf.

Kirk’s family briefly walked out of the courtroom twice — when Bagley started testifying about Charlie Kirk’s arrival on campus and again when prosecutors introduced the videos. Each time, they returned.

Prosecutors have a low bar

The proceeding resembles a minitrial, but prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk and should stand trial. The standard is lower than for a trial, where prosecutors must prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Prosecutors, as a result, should have little trouble advancing their case, said Mark Kouris, a former prosecutor and state judge in Salt Lake City.

“This standard is extremely low and the chances of them not getting through it are, quite frankly, almost nothing,” said Kouris, now an adjunct professor at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law.

Defense attorney Kathryn Nester repeatedly objected to evidence introduced by prosecutors. She was mostly overruled by the judge.

When she asked Bagley about finding an empty pistol holster on the ground after the crowd fled, he acknowledged he never took custody of the holster and didn’t know whether it had been fingerprinted.

Utah is an open carry state, meaning people can carry guns openly or conceal them without a permit.

Graf sided with the defense to block the introduction of a compilation of surveillance videos from Utah Valley University because some had been altered to zoom in or had circles drawn around individuals. Prosecutors said they would try again Tuesday to introduce that video with the alterations removed.

Erika Kirk says court proceedings are a ‘painful reminder’

Before his death, Kirk and the organization he co-founded, Turning Point USA, galvanized the conservative youth vote to help Trump win a second term.

The Republican president has said he hopes Robinson receives the death penalty.

Erika Kirk said during her husband’s memorial service that she forgives Robinson.

Ahead of Monday’s hearing, she thanked supporters in a statement for their kindness and prayers.

“Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death,” she wrote, “and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children.”

___

Brown reported from Billings, Montana.

Tenants Report Evacuation at Johnson City Apartments Due to Water and Electrical Problems

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Tenants Report Evacuation at Johnson City Apartments Due to Water and Electrical Problems

In a pressing situation that arose in Johnson City, Tennessee, tenants of an apartment complex were informed they needed to vacate their homes by Monday night. This directive came on the heels of significant concerns over water damage, mold, and electrical problems in the building.

The incident unfolded when city staff received reports of a potential fire at the address, 1308 Knob Creek Road, which brought firefighters rushing to the scene just before noon. While no fire was discovered, officials found troubling water issues that had compromised the building’s electrical systems.

According to a city spokesperson, the Johnson City Fire Department did not play a role in evacuating or relocating residents. Responsibility for those actions, they noted, lies with the management of the apartment complex.

Residents reported they were instructed to evacuate by Monday night as both water and electricity were cut off—a situation that further heightened their urgency to find alternative accommodations.

They told News Channel 11 the water and mold issues were nothing new.

“Management has been faulty for a few years now,” resident Gabriel Butler said. “They were taken over by a new company, but we just want something to get fixed because this is insane.”

Butler said there is mold in the apartments and that water comes in when it rains.

“So, a lot of flood water. Every time it rains, it gets into the apartment. And, now there’s just mold all over these residences, especially my apartment,” he said.

Another tenant, Katrina Patterson, said the new owners promised to fix the issues, but it never happened.

“Nobody came, and it’s been over a month now,” Patterson said.

Patterson said the water and mold issues in her apartment have been “going on for a very long time,” and she is concerned about the impact on her child.

“She complains about her head hurting, and it’s just, it’s just bad,” she said. “I mean, we’re constantly getting sick, coughing, and sniffling all that. It’s definitely not worth it.”

Patterson said that, as a business owner, the evacuation will also affect her source of income.

“I do own a business, Trina’s Desserts, and right now this is affecting my business, because not only can I not go out there and cook and serve people that actually love my food and my desserts,” she said. “But it’s also hurting my household because I’m not going to know when I’m going to be able to actually pay a bill, because this is how I support my family, and, you know, do anything basically.”

A representative of the American Red Cross was at the scene, but said they were unable to help because the matter was a landlord-tenant issue.

Patterson told News Channel 11 later Monday night that management had rented a hotel room for her for two weeks.

News Channel 11 has reached out to apartment management, but has not received a response.

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