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Kate Joins Prince William at Royal Ascot After a Two-Year Hiatus

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Kate Joins Prince William at Royal Ascot After a Two-Year Hiatus

The Princess of Wales made a radiant return to Royal Ascot after a two-year hiatus, dazzling onlookers in a vibrant yellow ensemble.

Catherine, now 44, accompanied her husband, the Prince of Wales, in the family’s traditional carriage procession.

Her striking canary yellow dress, designed by Roksanda, was complemented perfectly by a coordinating hat. In a charming nod to unity, Prince William adorned his lapel with yellow blooms.

This marks the third occasion Catherine has chosen this particular outfit, previously wearing it during a state visit to Jamaica and at Wimbledon in 2022.

Spectators were thrilled to witness the Princess in the second royal carriage alongside Prince William, 43. Her absence in 2025 was due to her efforts in balancing responsibilities following her cancer treatment.

They were accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, riding behind King Charles and Queen Camilla in the first carriage. 

The last time Catherine attended Ascot was in 2023, when the future Queen famously wore a ‘tomato red’ Alexander McQueen dress – proving Kate is always one step ahead of fashion trends. 

The fiery hue of Kate’s frock is Ascot’s inaugural colour of the year, as the official lookbook reads: ‘Bright tomato is the kind of colour that doesn’t just join the party at Royal Ascot – it leads it.’ 

Catherine looked elated to be back in the Windsor Enclosure, enjoying the company of other royals, including Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel Chatto, as well as her mother, Carole Middleton. 

Carole, 71, cut a stylish figure as she donned a pink coat dress that she first wore to her younger daughter, Pippa Middleton’s wedding nine years ago. 

The Middleton matriarch appeared to be ageing backwards as she repurposed the blush pink Catherine Walker ensemble for a day out at the races in Berkshire. 

She paired the designer dress with a matching hat and shoes, both from Emmy London, as Carole happily posed for pictures alongside Alizee.  

Last year, royal fans were left disappointed after Kensington Palace confirmed she would skip Ascot to focus on her recovery after completing a preventative course of chemotherapy. 

Catherine announced she is in remission from cancer last January as she embarked on a gradual and measured return to public duties. 

 Royal fans will undoubtedly feel a sense of relief about the princess’s recovery after she attended both Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter Service this week. 

The mother-of-three was beaming as she arrived at St George’s Chapel for the annual service on Monday alongside Prince William, Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

Catherine sported a beautiful lemon coat dress, made in London by Patrick McDowell – the designer she gave the Queen Elizabeth Award for Design to last year.

The fabric was woven for Her Royal Highness by Stephen Walters & Sons in Suffolk. She also sported a hat by Jane Taylor, trimmed with fabric from Mr Walters. Her earrings were by Robinson & Pelham.

The Princess of Wales was seen smiling and waving at several of the members of the order – and gazing proudly at her husband, Prince William, as well as curtseying to her father-in-law, the King.

After the service, Prince William and Catherine were whisked back to Windsor Castle by a royal carriage as fans gushed the princess looked ‘absolutely stunning’. 

Catherine previously wore the dress from Roksanda in Jamaica when she and Prince William embarked on a Royal Tour of the Caribbean in 2022

Catherine previously wore the dress from Roksanda in Jamaica when she and Prince William embarked on a Royal Tour of the Caribbean in 2022 

Carole Middleton has made a glamorous arrival at Royal Ascot, accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Alizee Thevenet (right)

Carole Middleton has made a glamorous arrival at Royal Ascot, accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Alizee Thevenet (right) 

Writing on X, one person said: ‘She looks perfectly lovely. The hat is perfection.’

Another person noted Catherine’s ‘close friendship’ with the Duchess of Edinburgh was on full display at the ceremony, writing: ‘Lovely to see her and Sophie having a laugh.’ 

As Royal Ascot, which will run until June 20, gets underway, the royals in attendance on day one included the King and Queen, Mike and Zara Tindall, as well as Princess Anne. 

But all eyes were on Harriet Sperling yesterday as she made her official debut as a member of the Royal Family following her ‘intimate’ Cotswolds wedding to Peter Phillips less than two weeks ago.

The new Mrs Peter Phillips joined the traditional carriage procession as she arrived at the racecourse in the second landau alongside her husband and mother-in-law, the Princess Royal.  

Royal Ascot, the jewel in the crown of the UK racing calendar, started yesterday with the Queen Anne Stakes and the King Charles III Stakes, and will run until Saturday.

The prestigious festival is just as famous for its fashion as it is for its races – and this year, statement hats were the focal point of revellers’ eye-popping looks as day one of the annual race meeting got underway.

Dressed to impress, guests wore a variety of show-stopping headpieces as they descended on Ascot for a day of equestrian fun.

The festival was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 after she declared Ascot ideal for ‘horses fit for kings’ and has today become a major social event as well as a sporting attraction.

Australia Faces Record-high Fatalities: Unveiling a Deepening Crisis

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IN BRIEF

  • More than 2,500 Australian died from drug-induced causes in 2024, according to a preliminary analysis.
  • Unintentional drug-induced deaths surpassed 2,000 for the first time, according to the report.

At just 12 years old, Jake Edgar began experimenting with illicit drugs.

Growing up in what he refers to as an “unstable household,” his early years were marked by frequent relocations across various states with his parents, who were also drug users. It wasn’t until he was 15, during a visit to a friend’s home, that he fully realized the abnormality of his upbringing.

Now 33, Edgar has transformed his life and is working as an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic. This week, he proudly celebrates 12 years of recovery. However, the impact of his past drug use lingers, especially with the loss of his father, Paul, who succumbed to an overdose in 2015.

“He was my best mate,” Edgar reflected.

For Edgar, the grim statistics on drug overdoses come as no surprise. New research by the Melbourne-based Penington Institute reveals that overdoses claim a life every 3.5 hours in Australia, averaging seven deaths daily.

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A preliminary analysis by the non-profit drug policy research group found some 2,596 Australian died from drug-induced causes in 2024 — what it has described as the “deadliest year on record” for overdoses.

Penington Institute CEO John Ryan told SBS News each drug overdose death is a “tragedy”.

A white man in his thirties with blue eyes and a grey jumper on looks at the camera while sitting in his vehicle.
Jake Edgar marks 12 years in recovery this week. Credit: Jake Edgar

“What we’re seeing is [almost] double the number of people dying from overdose than from the road toll and so the scale of the problem is huge,” he said.

“It’s affecting people from all parts of the country, from all age groups and all socioeconomic backgrounds.”

What’s behind overdose deaths in Australia?

Some 2,091 deaths, or about 80 per cent of the total, were unintentional drug-induced fatalities, according to the preliminary asessment, which will be updated and form part of the group’s annual overdose report later this year.

It was the first time the number of unintentional drug-induced deaths had surpassed 2,000, after a jump of about 15 per cent from the year before.

Opioids, including heroin, were the most commonly involved drug type, recorded in 877 unintentional deaths. Deaths involving stimulants, including ice but not cocaine, rose sharply, increasing year-on-year by 25.1 per cent to 772.

Benzodiazepines were the third most commonly involved drug type, recorded in 514 unintentional deaths.

The report noted some deaths are counted in more than one drug category because multiple substances were recorded.

“This premature loss of life is concerning, and it is preventable,” said professor Amy Peacock, deputy director of UNSW’s National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, which is not involved with the Penington Institute’s report.

“More broadly, we are seeing rising harms related to stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Globally, we’re seeing rising availability of these substances and in Australia … increased hospitalisations and deaths.”

‘We’ve got to improve community capacity’

In the 2021-2022 financial year, nearly two-thirds of proactive government funding on illicit drugs was spent on law enforcement, according to UNSW’s Drug Budget report.

Comparatively, 1.6 per cent was invested in harm reduction and 6.7 per cent on prevention.

Ryan believes this funding allocation is a “failure” by the Australian government and is calling for the implementation of a harm minimisation framework, as outlined in the federal National Drug Strategy 2017-2026.

“I’m optimistic that sooner or later the government will shift from lip service to actually doing something real and substantive in relation to the overdose toll, they just can’t keep denying it,” he said.

“Business as usual is clearly not working.”

Peacock added that Australia is “fortunate” to have the Take Home Naloxone (THN) program, which makes the anti-opioid overdose medication naloxone freely available for people who may experience or witness an opioid overdose.

“People can access the Take Home Naloxone for free without a script from pharmacies in Australia. But this requires people to be aware of Take Home Naloxone, for it to be in stock and for them to be able to access it.”

Ryan said: “We’ve got to improve community capacity to deal with drug use issues.”

A health department spokesperson said the federal government “provides substantial investment” in alcohol and drug harm-reduction “programs and activities”.

“The government’s approach is guided by the National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 which outlines a national commitment to harm minimisation through a balanced adoption of evidence-based demand, supply, and harm reduction strategies,” the spokesperson said.

Drug overdoses expected to increase

Penington Institute will release its comprehensive analysis in August this year, which will include additional suspected drug-induced deaths currently being investigated by a coroner.

In some instances, these investigations can take several years.

Ryan anticipates that with more data, the number of drug overdoses recorded in Australia in 2024 will likely increase.

But for people like Jake, behind each statistic is a human story.

He says his father Paul was a “good man” with the “kindest heart”. He died after playing a game of pool — a weekly tradition with his son — at the local pub.

“He beat me on a really easy shot and taps the table and goes, ‘I’m still number one!’” Jake remembers.

“I’d give anything to play one more game of pool with my Dad.”

Readers struggling with their use of alcohol and other substances can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More information is available via Lifeline. 

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State of Origin Controversy: Fans Outraged at Nine’s Broadcast Blunder as Queensland Secures Victory After Blues Star’s Sin-Bin

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State of Origin Controversy: Fans Outraged at Nine’s Broadcast Blunder as Queensland Secures Victory After Blues Star’s Sin-Bin


Channel Nine’s Phil Gould, who also serves as the Bulldogs’ boss, initially remained reserved after the first Origin match. However, he has now broken his silence with some concerning insights for New South Wales supporters.

Gould expressed his apprehension, stating, “I noticed warning signs in the first game. Before the series began, I felt that this NSW team appeared quite susceptible if they couldn’t secure their share of possession. The ball was crucial for them. I simply couldn’t envision them winning without it.”

He continued, “There’s no question that when Queensland controls the ball, they outperform New South Wales in offensive scenarios. They exhibit more bravery, skill, and willingness to support each other, taking risks with passes and making early tackles with kicks. They show a greater boldness with the ball.”

Gould criticized New South Wales for being excessively cautious and overly structured. “While they showed some improved ball movement in the first half, especially from their own end, ultimately, this NSW team is incapable of defeating Queensland without dominating possession and controlling field position.”

“The second half made that clear,” he concluded. “Queensland scored 36 points in just 40 minutes of play, during a crucial opportunity for NSW to clinch the series and leave Queensland empty-handed. You don’t want to criticize too harshly, but that performance was simply dreadful.”

Fox’s New Show Pits Celebrities Against Each Other in a Hilarious Battle for the Title of ‘Nation’s Dumbest

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Fox’s New Show Pits Celebrities Against Each Other in a Hilarious Battle for the Title of ‘Nation’s Dumbest

Fox is shaking up the world of reality television with its latest competition show that challenges celebrities to prove who’s the “dumbest” among them.

In an exclusive preview shared by Us Weekly, Nation’s Dumbest is set to premiere on July 15 and features a star-studded lineup. The eclectic group includes TV personality Hilaria Baldwin, actress Carmen Electra, actor Anthony Michael Hall, actor Jon Heder, musician Chase Hudson, and rapper Ice-T.

Adding to the diverse mix are singer-songwriter Elle King, former NFL quarterback Matt Leinart, TV personality and physician Dr. Drew Pinsky, along with Jackass alum Steve-O, singer JoJo Siwa, and former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang.

The show, hosted by comedian Jack Whitehall, features the celebrity contestants tackling questions on various topics, such as spelling challenges and animal facts. As they struggle to provide correct answers, they come to realize that the title of “nation’s dumbest” might not be so elusive after all.

Spring TV Preview 2026 The 10 New Shows Everyone Will Be Talking About Soon

While there’s plenty of sunshine to enjoy outside, television offers compelling reasons to stay indoors this spring. The season’s TV schedule is packed, promising a variety of entertainment to suit every taste. Among the highlights is The Testaments, the eagerly awaited sequel to Margaret Atwood’s acclaimed novel-turned-TV series, The Handmaid’s Tale.

“If I am the nation’s dumbest, I really will have to reevaluate my life,” Ice-T jokes in the sneak peek.

See How Fox Has Celebs Competing to See If They Are the 'Nation's Dumbest'
Fox

“Summer school is in session with the debut of Nation’s Dumbest, a new celebrity competition series that flips the traditional format on its head — because this is the only show where winning is the last thing anyone wants,” teased the official synopsis. “Taking attendance as host is acclaimed comedian Jack Whitehall, who presides over the chaos as contestants relive the highs and humiliations of school life — from pop quizzes and report cards to recess and parent teacher conferences — all while trying to stay out of last place.”

Scott Speedman and Kevin Rankin in R.J. Decker

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Nation’s Dumbest is described as “a proven format across multiple international territories, channels celebrities’ inner school spirit as they head back to summer school, facing a mix of brain-teasing tasks, fast-paced physical challenges, and long-buried classroom knowledge.”

See How Fox Has Celebs Competing to See If They Are the 'Nation's Dumbest'
Brendan Meadows/ FOX

The description concluded: “Each week, the ‘smartest’ celebrity graduates, narrowing the field until a high-stakes final exam determines who will be left standing with the distinction no one wants — the title of The Nation’s Dumbest.”

Nation’s Dumbest is in good company at Fox, which has previously branched out with celebrity competition show Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. The show, which recently wrapped up its fourth season, premiered in 2023 and put contestants through harsh, military-style training based on actual Special Forces selection processes. They face intense physical and mental challenges designed to push their limits.

Nation’s Dumbest debuts on Fox Wednesday, July 15, at 9 p.m. ET.

Tornado Alert: Key Areas in Chicago on Watch as Severe Weather Looms

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Tornado Alert: Key Areas in Chicago on Watch as Severe Weather Looms

In Chicago, a significant weather event is anticipated on Wednesday, with potential for large tornadoes posing a threat to the area.

The National Weather Service has announced a Tornado Watch for the counties of Grundy, LaSalle, and Livingston, which will remain active until 3 p.m.

The Storm Prediction Center has classified regions to the south of Chicago, specifically Kankakee County in Illinois and Newton and Jasper counties in northwest Indiana, as facing a Level 4 severe weather risk on Wednesday.

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Chicago’s South Side and its southern suburbs are at a Level 3 risk for severe weather, while the North Side and northern suburbs are at a Level 2 risk.

A series of showers and storms is expected to sweep through from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. According to ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist Tracy Butler, the initial wave of storms carries a low threat of being severe, but there is a concern for flash flooding. By noon, some areas may experience up to two inches of rainfall.

The entire Chicago area will be under under a Flood Watch from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Butler said the highest risk of severe weather will come in the mid-t0late afternoon and evening, from 2-9 p.m. Butler said the risk includes high winds up to 75-miles-per-hour as well as a risk for large tornadoes south of I-80.

Storms come as tornado cleanup continues

Many areas are still reeling from recent tornadoes as the next round of storms comes in.

The threat of more bad weather couldn’t come at a worse time.

People are still struggling to clean up and recover from last week’s tornadoes.

They’re now worried what will come next

It’s expected to be another challenging day for people in Merrillville, Indiana as they clean up after weathering an EF-2 tornado with winds up to 135 miles-per-hour.

The storm caused extensive damage to hundreds of homes and local structures.

Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported.

NIPSCO is still working to restore service to those who lost power. Most of those impacted are in Merrillville.

Joe and Marlene Trevino survived the storm, but lost their home to the tornado and say more bad weather will make it even harder to recover.

“I came out of our garage, and all the debris are all over, and I can’t believe our house is gone just like that, you know? I’m just under three minutes– gone,” Marlene said.

“Things were tough and tight as it was, and then now we got this,” Joe said.

Local officials are obviously on alert as well.

There’s a tornado recovery website at merrillville.in.gov/tornado, is available for people in Merrillville with helpful resources, especially as this next round of storms heads our way.

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EastEnders’ Star Shana Swash Announces Exciting Pregnancy News with Second Child!

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EastEnders’ Star Shana Swash Announces Exciting Pregnancy News with Second Child!

In a heartwarming announcement, Shana Swash, known for her role as a child star on EastEnders and sister to Joe Swash, has shared that she is expecting her second child. The 25-year-old actress took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal the joyful news alongside her partner, Nick Jones, and their daughter, Kitty.

The announcement came with a charming black-and-white family photo, in which Shana expressed her excitement by writing, “Kitty has accepted a new position as Big Sister. Start date: December 2026.”

Nick joined in the celebration by commenting on the post, expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm. “Thank you @shana_swash for being the best mum,” he wrote. “Can’t wait for the next chapter with 4 of us #bringiton xx.”

The news also brought joy to Shana’s older sister, Casie Swash, who is thrilled at the prospect of becoming an aunt once more. She shared her excitement in a heartfelt message, saying, “I’m so happy + excited. Another little munchkin to kiss + cuddle, love you all especially my little miss kitty xxxx.”

Shana’s sister, Casie Swash, 42, shared her delight in becoming an aunt again, as she penned: ‘I’m so happy + excited. Another little munchkin to kiss + cuddle, love you all especially my little miss kitty xxxx (sic).’

Fans showered the soon-to-be family of four with congratulatory messages, they penned: ‘Congratulations to you all; Yay more for the crew; Fantastic news made my day Congrats to you all Big love’. 

Joe Swash's EastEnders child star sister Shana has revealed she is expecting her second child with partner Nick Jones. The couple are already proud parents to daughter Kitty

Joe Swash’s EastEnders child star sister Shana has revealed she is expecting her second child with partner Nick Jones. The couple are already proud parents to daughter Kitty 

She wrote: 'Kitty has accepted a new position as Big Sister. Start date: December 2026'

She wrote: ‘Kitty has accepted a new position as Big Sister. Start date: December 2026’

Shana played Demi Miller alongside 44-year-old Joe’s Mickey Miller in EastEnders from 2004 until 2006.

After the BBC soap, she launched a coffee business.

She previously told the Express: ‘I work for myself, so I can come and go as I please, and that’s the glory of it.

‘So if something does come up, I can shut up or get somebody in, and I can go and do some work.’

She added of the coffee business: ‘That came out of Covid and lockdown, and not having a job, and needing something. It was a real change-up, because I was doing something that I’ve always wanted to do.’

Shana and Nick welcomed Kitty into the world in December 2023.

Meanwhile her brother Joe is a proud dad to four children.

He has son Harry, 19, whom he shares with his 41-year-old ex-partner, Emma Sophocleous.

As well as Harry, Joe is dad to son Rex, seven, and daughters Rose, four, and Belle, three, with his TV personality wife Stacey Solomon.

The I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! 2008 winner is also a stepdad to Stacey’s sons, Zachary, 18, and Leighton, 14, from previous relationships

It comes following reports of troubles between Stacey and Joe’s marriage, which the star finally addressed last month, after claims that they were yet to formally register their marriage prompted raised eyebrows.

Just hours later, Stacey was photographed wearing her engagement ring but no wedding band, leading to further questions about their relationship.

But the star dismissed divorce rumours and insisted she still ‘fancies the pants’ off Joe, but also confessed there were times she ‘couldn’t stand him’.

Shana played Demi Miller alongside 44-year-old Joe's Mickey Miller in EastEnders from 2004 until 2006

Shana played Demi Miller alongside 44-year-old Joe’s Mickey Miller in EastEnders from 2004 until 2006

Freidns and family showered the soon-to-be family of four with congratulatory messages, they penned: 'Congratulations to you all; Yay more for the crew; Fantastic news'

Freidns and family showered the soon-to-be family of four with congratulatory messages, they penned: ‘Congratulations to you all; Yay more for the crew; Fantastic news’

Speaking on Sort Your Life Out Unpacked podcast, she said: ‘Who cares if the whole world is like: ‘Oh, they’re on the brink of divorce’? Being in the public eye I think creates certain pressures, but not on our relationship because half the time what they’re saying: ‘If we know it’s not true, who cares?”

‘Sometimes I fancy the pants off him and can’t wait to come home to see him’.

She went on: ‘Sometimes I’m like: ‘Get out of my stratosphere – stay away from me.’ I think we’re just like any other couple.’

The couple are parents to Rex, seven, Rose, four, and two-year-old Belle, as well as Stacey’s older sons Zachary, 18, and Leighton, 13, and Joe’s son Harry, 18, from previous relationships.

After news broke of them not making their marriage legal, a source told Daily Mail: ‘They have six kids. If you look back at when they actually got married, it was just like a whirlwind, baby after baby. They just haven’t got round to it yet.’

It came after filming for their family reality TV show was paused, after tensions at home put the shooting schedule into a tailspin.

The Daily Mail revealed the crew were booked back in December to start filming but tensions at Pickle Cottage became increasingly difficult to manage behind the cameras, with an insider revealing ‘there have been problems between Stacey and Joe.’

It later resumed with Stacey spotted shooting scenes for Stacey & Joe at Scotts Tulip Farm in Brentwood, a stone’s throw from her £1.2million home.

The BBC announced last month that it has given season three the green light and will continue to follow the couple’s blended family as they go about their day-to-day lives. The popular show follows their lives at Pickle Cottage with their children.

Oliver Tree’s Producer Shares How He Avoided Tragic Helicopter Flight

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Oliver Tree’s Producer Shares How He Avoided Tragic Helicopter Flight


In a poignant revelation, Victor WAO, producer for Oliver Tree, shared that he narrowly avoided being on the ill-fated helicopter flight that resulted in the tragic death of the musician and five others.

Victor expressed his grief in a heartfelt tribute, recounting how he was supposed to board the helicopter with his best friend, the late music producer Lucas Frota, who was among those who perished. “I was supposed to be with you guys in that helicopter, and I didn’t go at the last second,” he wrote, conveying the depth of his sorrow.

Reflecting on the circumstances that kept him from the flight, Victor explained, “You told me that since I was scared [of flying], you had managed to get a car to take me to Angra and someone else would go in my place.” His words revealed not only the twist of fate but also the selflessness of his friend.

“Now I owe you my life, brother,” Victor continued, grappling with the loss. “I don’t know what to do at this moment. I love you so much! I will never forget you! Lucas, you were pure light!”

In a separate message, Victor paid homage to Lucas’s character, describing him as the “most enlightened and wonderful person I have ever known.” His words resonate with the deep bond they shared and the irreplaceable loss he feels.

“I am heartbroken, but I am praying for you wherever you are,” he added.

Frota, 24, Tree, 32, Lucas Vignale, 29, Gaspar Prim (also known as Argentinian YouTuber Gaspi), 23, and pilots Alexandre Souza and Charles Marsillac all lost their lives on Sunday when two helicopters collided mid-air in Rio de Janeiro.

A harrowing video showed one aircraft plunging directly into the parking lot of a car dealership, setting at least 20 electric vehicles ablaze.

The local Civil Police informed CNN that the case is under investigation and that a forensic examination of the scene has been requested. A police investigator said it’s believed human error may have been to blame.

Tree was in South America as part of his The World’s First World Tour.

A day before he passed away, Tree beamed as he documented his fun-filled day in Brazil, which included soccer, riding bikes, haircuts and cooking.

The video was captioned, “Gringo 24 horas no Brasil,” which translates to: “Foreigner 24 hours in Brazil.”

Back in April, Tree eerily joked that his family would not receive any money from his will when he died.

“I don’t believe that any of the wealth, or the things that get made from it, is mine,” the singer said on the April 24 episode of the “Zach Sang Show.”

“So when I die, my will is set up that when I pass, my family, no one’s going to get a penny,” he added.

Tree, who was single and did not have any children at the time of his passing, said that if he had a wife or kids, they would “not [get] a f–king penny.”

“I’ll get my kids through college. That’s the agreement,” he continued.

“But there’s not going to be a silver spoon. The idea is, when I die, all the money is going to go back to artists,” Tree declared.

Palisades Fire Suspect Exhibited ‘Incel Energy,’ Causing Discomfort for Female Uber Passenger: Report

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Palisades Fire Suspect Exhibited ‘Incel Energy,’ Causing Discomfort for Female Uber Passenger: Report

A man linked to igniting the New Year’s Day blaze, which contributed to the devastating Palisades wildfire, is said to have exuded “incel energy,” as described by a passenger who once took a ride with him in an Uber.

Jonathan Rinderknecht was taken into custody in October 2025 and is facing charges of property destruction by fire. He has entered a plea of not guilty in relation to the Palisades Fire incident from January 2025 and is currently on trial in California. During a testimony on Friday, Brennan White, a Los Angeles resident, recounted his New Year’s Day Uber ride with Rinderknecht. White noted that the suspect exuded what he referred to as “incel energy.”

According to White, Rinderknecht drove unpredictably and continuously ranted about societal decline, expressing a belief that there were no decent women in the area.

The witness informed the Los Angeles Police Department that Rinderknecht emitted “incel energy,” a term commonly used to describe someone who is notably solitary or socially withdrawn.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, aged 29, stands accused of setting off the fire that escalated into the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles.

White, who was drinking that night, said he made small talk with Rinderknecht for the first three to five minutes of the ride, then the driver started ranting. He said that Rinderknecht was violent with his words but didn’t ask to be let out of the Uber because he felt it was better not to say anything.

Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told News Media this may be one of the most “memorable” moments of Rinderknecht’s trial and added that prosecutors had a specific reason for calling White to testify.

“An incel is someone that is unable to have or maintain a relationship and is celibate involuntarily. So someone that is a loner, someone who is strange, someone like that is more likely to be an arsonist, is more likely to be a mass shooter. So by painting him in this way, I think it does help the prosecution’s case,” Rahmani said. “The question is, is this unfair character assassination? Because Rinderknecht isn’t charged with being a strange guy, he’s charged with an arsonist. And potentially this gives the defense another argument on appeal if their client is convicted.”

Fire personnel responding to homes destroyed as a helicopter drops water in Pacific Palisades California

Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2025. (David Swanson/AFP/Getty Images)

In a trial memorandum filed in April, prosecutors said Rinderknecht was apparently obsessed with Luigi Mangione, who is accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

“In the months leading up to the fire, he had become increasingly angry with his life and society at large,” prosecutors wrote. “For example, in the weeks and hours leading up to the fire, defendant fixated on Luigi Mangione, who allegedly murdered the UnitedHealthcare CEO in New York City on December 4, 2024.”

Rinderknecht searched the terms “free LuigiMangione,” “lets take down all the billionaires” and “reddit lets kill all the billionaires” on Dec. 12 and 13, 2024, federal prosecutors said.

“Many of defendant’s Uber passengers on December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025, described defendant as angry, intense, driving erratically, and ranting about being ‘pissed off at the world’ and Luigi Mangione, capitalism, and vigilantism,” prosecutors added in the court filing.

When investigators asked Rinderknecht on Jan. 24, 2025, why someone might commit arson in the Pacific Palisades, he allegedly responded it would be out of resentment and invoked Mangione.

“When investigators asked defendant why someone might commit arson in the Pacific Palisades, he responded that it would be out of resentment of the rich enjoying their money as ‘we’re basically being enslaved by them’ and compared such an act of ‘desperation’ to the murder for which Mangione was charged,” prosecutors wrote.

Luigi Mangione standing in a courtroom at Manhattan Supreme Court

Luigi Mangione appears at an evidence suppression hearing at the Manhattan Supreme Court in New York City on May 18, 2026. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters)

Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, told News Media in a statement: “As we have stated before in multiple public court filings, Mr. Mangione does not support violent actions and does not condone past or future political violence. These repeated attempts to connect him to unrelated acts or to insinuate that he condones or supports these acts are irresponsible, dangerous and prejudicial.”

Lena Weissbrot, who considers herself a supporter of Mangione, addressed the connection while speaking to News Media on Tuesday outside of a scheduled court hearing for the alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO killer.

“I don’t think we can blame these things on Luigi, I think it’s that we have so much wealth inequality in America, that eventually it’s going to boil over, and I think that Luigi was just a temperature check for like…It sort of allowed people a vessel for all of the rage that’s been boiling under the surface here,” she said.

Weissbrot did add she could “never support” the person who started the Palisades Fire, stating she’s from Los Angeles.

Rinderknecht is charged with destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire. News Media reached out to his lawyers for comment.

New York Unions Criticize Efforts to Assist Members Seeking Alternatives

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New York Unions Criticize Efforts to Assist Members Seeking Alternatives

I’m at the helm of an organization currently facing a shutdown attempt by New York authorities.

Recently, as its legislative session drew to a close, lawmakers in Albany passed legislation that extends significant new powers to Attorney General Letitia James. This bill enables her to investigate and impose penalties on any organization, including those based outside of New York, if she concludes that their communications “falsely impersonate” a union.

The penalties are steep—$1,000 for each instance, which could mean significant fines for every mailer or email distributed by my organization, the Freedom Foundation, to the thousands of workers we reach annually.

While the bill is purportedly designed to prevent the impersonation of union officials, its actual aim seems to be to silence organizations like ours. We inform public sector employees about their rights, specifically their constitutional right to opt-out of union membership and dues without risking their employment.

Eight years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in the case of Janus v. AFSCME. The ruling determined that compelling public employees to financially support a labor union, either through dues or “agency fees,” infringes upon their First Amendment rights to free speech and association.

It’s a message that unions are determined to keep their members from receiving.

And the Freedom Foundation exists to make certain that they hear it loud and clear.

New York lawmakers delivered exactly what the unions asked for: A vote to gut Janus in the Empire State and suppress workers’ rights by suppressing our group’s voice.

The unions had little choice — because our messaging works.

Since 2018, the Freedom Foundation has helped more than 278,000 public employees nationwide leave their unions, taking with them an estimated $791 million in dues revenue.

In New York alone, nearly 7,500 workers have used our materials to opt out, including more than 1,400 this year.

Every one of them is one less source of dues revenue for union political machines.

So instead of making a better case for why workers should stay, unions are asking Albany to make it illegal for workers to hear any other point of view.

The bill’s “impersonation” language sounds reasonable until you read it.

It prohibits communications made with “intent to deceive” the recipient — language potentially broad enough to ban parody, satire or any communication that could be construed to mimic a union official’s voice.

It’s a broad definition that poses a very real risk: The United Federation of Teachers has a track record of threatening legal action against teachers for writing obviously satirical blog posts in the UFT president’s name.

And the law hands enforcement not to workers who actually feel deceived, but to the judgment of the state attorney general.

That would be Letitia James, who is running for reelection this year.

She has received significant union support in spite of — make that because of — her history of conflating political vengeance and justice.

Any group unions don’t like is now fair game for James’ subpoenas, investigations and crippling fines.

And that’s exactly its point.

New York’s unions didn’t hatch this scheme by themselves: The new legislation mirrors a similar measure approved last year in Oregon.

That law, which took effect in January, created a private right of action, meaning unions can sue us in state court.

New York’s goes further and skips that step entirely, handing enforcement power directly to the attorney general and explicitly authorizing her to investigate and subpoena out-of-state organizations.

A nonprofit in Florida, Texas or anywhere else that sends a mailer to a New York public employee could soon be subject to Letitia James’ whims.

If that sounds like an extraordinary reach for a state law, it is.

The Freedom Foundation moved immediately to challenge Oregon’s law, and its lawsuit is currently before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

If necessary, we’ll sue New York, too.

This is the post-Janus playbook: Unions lost at the Supreme Court, so they’re turning to blue-state legislatures.

They can’t force workers to pay, so now they’re trying to make sure workers never find out they don’t have to.

New York’s bill makes honest communication a fineable offense — and Gov. Kathy Hochul shouldn’t make her state a party to this travesty by signing it into law.

The 7,500 New York workers who used our materials didn’t opt out of union membership because we tricked them.  

They did it because someone finally told them the truth.

Aaron Withe is CEO of the Freedom Foundation.

Rex Heuermann to Confront Victims’ Families During Sentencing Hearing

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Rex Heuermann to Confront Victims’ Families During Sentencing Hearing

Rex Heuermann is facing sentencing by a New York judge this Wednesday, following his guilty plea to a series of brutal murders along Long Island’s Gilgo Beach. Heuermann has admitted to seven killings and has also confessed to an eighth, all of which occurred over a span of several years.

In April, Heuermann confessed to three first-degree murder charges and four second-degree murder charges. His attorney, Mike Brown, initially suggested that Heuermann might address the court during the sentencing. However, Brown later refrained from confirming whether Heuermann would indeed speak, noting that his client had independently chosen to “accept responsibility” for his actions.

Will Rex Heuermann speak at sentencing?

Heuermann’s guilty plea effectively guarantees a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The victims include Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor, and Megan Waterman. He has also acknowledged his involvement in the murder of Karen Vergata.
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