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Melissa Gorga’s Daughter Antonia Reveals Stunning New Look After Nose Job Transformation

Antonia Gorga, daughter of The Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga, recently took a step that many in the spotlight choose to take—undergoing rhinoplasty at the age of 20.

In a playful nod to her decision, Antonia shared a social media video on June 10. Initially, she playfully lip-synced to the phrase, “Girl, don’t do it, it’s not worth it,” before cheekily adding, “I’m just thinking about it, I’m not going to do it.” However, the subsequent clip revealed a different story, as Antonia appeared with a bandaged nose, mouthing the words, “I did it.”

While some public figures opt for discretion when it comes to cosmetic procedures, others, like Denise Richards, Jessi Ngatikaura from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and Heidi Montag, prefer transparency. Montag, in particular, reflected on her experiences with plastic surgery, sharing with Us Weekly in 2013 about the challenges she faced after reversing some of her enhancements.

“Surprise…. #nosejob 🤕,” she captioned her TikTok footage.

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Antonia’s decision was fully supported by her family. She is the only daughter of Melissa, 47, and Joe Gorga, who are also parents to two younger sons. Melissa expressed her approval of Antonia’s choice, standing by her daughter’s decision to make a change she felt was right for her.

Antonia is the only daughter of Melissa, 47, and her husband, Joe Gorga, who also share two younger sons. Melissa even cosigned her daughter’s procedure.

“Oh my God! My baby is being open and honest ❤️,” Melissa replied to her daughter’s Instagram announcement.

Antonia’s procedure was done by plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Rizk, who previously completed RHONJ alum Jennifer Fessler’s own face lift and rhinoplasty in 2023.

“I did have a face lift … and a nose job,” Fessler, 55, quipped on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen six weeks later. “I don’t play. … He’s the best.”

As for Rizk, he revealed via Instagram in February 2023 that Fessler was already “ecstatic with her recovery.”

Nearly three years later, Fessler supported Antonia’s surgery.

“Tonia!!! You went to the best of the best!” she gushed via Instagram comment. “I’m so excited for you although I agree with Margaret [Josephs that you were already stunning]. I can’t imagine you could be more gorgeous.”

Rizk, for his part, responded to Antonia’s post with two fire emojis, as well as reposting her video onto his medical practice’s Instagram Stories.

Despite Melissa’s career in the Bravoverse, her daughter isn’t planning to follow in her footsteps anytime soon.

Real Housewives Plastic Surgeries Before and After

Kyle Richards, Teresa Giudice, Brandi Glanville, and Tamra Barney are among the many who’ve ‘fessed up to boob jobs, chin implants, and liposuction

“She’s still in college, [but] I learned never to say anything because the opposite ends up happening,” Melissa exclusively told Us Weekly in April 2025 about chances Antonia could join Bravo’s Next Gen NYC like her cousin Gia Giudice. “I’ll never tell my daughter not to do something, but I don’t think that’s the path she would choose at this point. I don’t know, though. You never know. I’ll let her do whatever makes her happy.”

Antonia currently studies at the University of Delaware, where she’s a member of the Alpha Phi sorority.

“She’s in her element,” Melissa gushed at the time. “These are the best times of her life and she’s enjoying it. She loves it.”

Global Christian Leaders Convene in Jerusalem: Urgent Summit to Combat Rising Antisemitism

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The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) has organized an emergency summit this week to address the escalating issue of antisemitism worldwide. This urgent meeting follows the events orchestrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which have intensified global concerns.

This three-day gathering in Jerusalem coincides with a worrying trend where social media influencers are spreading antisemitic rhetoric to millions of their followers, amplifying hate across digital platforms.

“Attacking the Jewish community is akin to severing the very roots of one’s faith,” remarked Dr. Jürgen Bühler, President of the ICEJ, in a conversation with News Media. “The Jewish people are the ones who brought us the Bible, and it’s important to remember that Jesus himself was Jewish.”

Dr. Bühler further emphasized the importance of combating antisemitism, stating, “Failing to fight against antisemitism is like cutting off the branch on which you sit. For the church to thrive, we must remain connected to our roots. This fight should be a priority for every pastor and leader globally.”

Prominent Christian leaders gathered at the ICEJ’s emergency summit on antisemitism at the Vert Hotel in Jerusalem, underscoring the critical nature of this dialogue in their mission to foster understanding and unity.

One of the central themes of the conference is Replacement Theology, a doctrine that holds the Church has replaced the Jewish people in God’s plan.

“The Bible is full of God’s eternal plan which includes the Jewish people. Paul’s statement in Romans 11 that ‘the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable’ relates to Israel. This is a doctrine that goes contrary to what the New and Old Testament are teaching and that’s why we need to have this conference,” Bühler said.

“One cannot deny the Jewishness of the Bible. The most frequent word in the Bible is the name of God and the second most used name is Israel. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, he died in Jerusalem, resurrected in Jerusalem, rose to heaven from Jerusalem and he is coming back to Jerusalem. If you read the Bible it is so easy to see the connection to Israel,” he added.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee places a note in the Western Wall

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee places a note in the Western Wall as Holy Week and Passover come to a close. (@USAmbIsrael/X)

Israel’s newly appointed Special Envoy to the Christian world, George Deek, addressed the meeting on Wednesday, while Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee are scheduled to attend the summit’s closing event on Thursday at the foreign ministry as keynote speakers.

In a recorded message broadcast at the summit, Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked Christian leaders for mobilizing against antisemitism.

“We are witnessing a very disturbing surge of antisemitism all over the world. This is a major challenge for humanity. This is the age-old, perhaps the oldest plague in humanity, and we have to stand up together — thought leaders and religious leaders — and say, ‘No more,’ and teach people about the sources of this evil and how to counter antisemitism,” Herzog said.

“I believe that countering antisemitism requires a combination of three major elements: law enforcement, adjudication and education,” he said.

Vice President JD Vance shakes hands with Israel President Isaac Herzog

Vice President JD Vance, left, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog shake hands during a meeting at the presidential residence, in Jerusalem, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (Leo Correa/AP)

“You, dear leaders, have a huge capability of fighting back, and I bless you. Truly, I bless you as the president of Israel for coming here and fighting back, for coming here and discussing how to fight back,” Herzog concluded.

Dr. Andrew J. Nolte, who launched Regent University’s Israel Institute in 2024, said students often repeat antisemitic claims, including the accusation that Jews killed Jesus.

“The answer from a Christian theological perspective is that we all killed Jesus, he died for our sins. There is a theological understanding of the guilt we bear for Jesus’s blood,” Nolte told News Media.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre exteriors

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre dates back to the fourth century. (Archivio Università di Roma Sapienza)

While Israel has faced recent criticism over treatment of Christians – mostly at the hands of a few extremists – the country is seen as a beacon of freedom of religion in the Middle East.

According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, as of December 2025, Israel’s Christian population stood at approximately 184,200 people, representing 1.9% of the country’s total population. The community grew by 0.7% over the previous year.

Arab Christians account for 78.7% of Israel’s Christian population and comprise 6.8% of the country’s overall Arab population.

Most Arab Christians reside in northern Israel. Among non-Arab Christians, 42% live in the Tel Aviv and Central districts, compared to 33.9% in the Northern and Haifa districts.

ISRAEL-JERUSALEM-RELIGION-CHRISTIANITY-GOOD FRIDAY

Christian pilgrims carrying wooden crosses walk through Jerusalem’s Old City towards the Holy Sepulcre church during the Orthodox Good Friday procession on May 3, 2024.  (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Nolte said that Christians in Israel hold prominent positions, noting that the provost of the University of Haifa is a Maronite Christian and that Christian communities in the country report relatively high income levels. He also said that, in most cases involving civil rights and religious freedom brought by Christians in Israel, the outcomes have been decided in their favor.

“If you are comparing Israel to any Muslim country in the Middle East, the status of Christians is much higher. As a Christian, you are better off here than anywhere else in the region,” he added.

Christmas parade in Nazareth.

Israeli Christians in Nazareth hold a Christmas  parade on Dec. 24, 2025. (Eitan Elhadez-Barak/TPS-IL)

Christopher Kuehl, founder of Present Witness and co-host of the One New Man podcast, emphasized that biblical illiteracy among younger generations is fueling confusion about Israel.

He opened his remarks at the conference by citing a recent U.S. study on Gen Z’s alignment with biblical teachings and how closely their worldview corresponds with scripture, noting that only about 5% demonstrated strong adherence.

“Israel gets thrown into that ignorance, that biblical ignorance. Social media is what teaches children and Gen Z; they spend eight hours a day on it and go to church once a week for 20 minutes. How does one create a message in 20 minutes that will overcome spending eight hours on social media every day?” Kuehl told News Media.

Christians in Israel.

One Israeli pastor says one of the biggest challenges facing Israel’s Christian community is a low birth rate. Jesus King Church in Nazareth, Israel.  (Photo: Pastor Saleem Shalash)

Pastor Matthew Earls joined the summit as part of Eagles’ Wings Ministries’ Israel Christian Nexus program, which focuses on young Christian leaders and gives them the opportunity to experience Israel early in their careers and build a well-rounded perspective.

“We want to teach biblical truth so that the church does not look completely different in the next generation,” Earls told News Media. “The greater mission is one of solidarity with the people of Israel, and of equipping people with talking points in the hope that dialogue can take place and lead to greater understanding, or at least mutual respect for one another’s positions,” he said.

Sacha Roytman, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, told News Media that Christians and Jews face many of the same challenges in defending their faith, history, and future, adding that those who reject Jews and Zionism also reject the Christian worldview because the two are aligned.

people walking Via Dolorosa

Orthodox Christians carry wooden crosses along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering) in the Old City of Jerusalem during the Orthodox Good Friday procession before Holy Saturday. (Saeed Qaq/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“I’m here to share this message with Christian leaders who go back to their communities empowered with more knowledge, more energy, and different tools to fight this battle,” Roytman said.

As part of its research, CAM has examined how social media algorithms amplify antisemitic content and conspiracy theories. “We discovered that the algorithms are trained to deliver engaging content that upsets people and keeps them hooked. Often, it is anti-establishment content and conspiracy theories that fuel antisemitism,” Roytman said.

More than 200 theologians, pastors and ministry leaders from over 30 countries are attending in person, alongside approximately 3,000 online participants.

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Camilla Kerslake Opens Up About Motherhood Struggles: ‘I’m Not the Mum I Aspire to Be

Camilla Kerslake, a renowned opera singer, was visibly emotional as she expressed her distress over missing a significant meeting, stating, “I’m not being the mum I want to be.”

Reflecting on the challenges she faces balancing her career and motherhood, Camilla, who is the wife of former English rugby star Chris Robshaw and mother to their two sons, Wilding and Hunter, confessed to often feeling like she is falling short in one area or another.

While sitting in her car, the 37-year-old shared, “I was supposed to be on a train to the Houses of Parliament today for a meeting with an exceptional MP whose ideals and voting record perfectly align with the goals of the Kerslake Robshaw foundations.”

“However,” she continued, “I also needed to drop the children off at school. Yesterday, my son had an accident, leaving him with a swollen lip and a loose tooth.”

“I had to pick him up at 1 PM, even though my schedule was already packed, and I had an event to attend last night,” she added.

Camilla Kerslake broke down in tears over missing an important meeting and said: 'I'm not being the mum I want to be' as she lamented her struggles as a working mother on Instagram on Thursday

Camilla Kerslake broke down in tears over missing an important meeting and said: ‘I’m not being the mum I want to be’ as she lamented her struggles as a working mother on Instagram on Thursday

Lamenting her struggles as a working mother, Camilla, who is married to English former rugby union player Chris Robshaw , with whom she has two sons, Wilding and Hunter, said she feels like she is always failing at something

Lamenting her struggles as a working mother, Camilla, who is married to English former rugby union player Chris Robshaw , with whom she has two sons, Wilding and Hunter, said she feels like she is always failing at something

Her husband Chris wrote a supportive note about how great a mother she is

Her husband Chris wrote a supportive note about how great a mother she is 

‘So I got in late, I got up on time actually. They slept for once which was really nice, but obviously, anyone who has done the drop off knows that there’s a certain time you can drop them off from and it’s just absolutely impossible to drop them off at that time and then still make my train.’

She continued: ‘I still tried but at the same time, my son was emotional today. He was wobbly, he had a really bad fall yesterday and he genuinely has facial trauma. I’m concerned that he might lose the tooth

‘And I said to him, “do you think you can go in by yourself?” And he couldn’t. And I just stood there and I just realised that I had to make a choice.

‘I could force him to go in by himself and maybe I would have made my train or I could walk him in and hand him over to his teacher and give him a hug.

‘That’s the first proper injury he‘s ever got. He’s been really lucky so far, but I mean it is bad. Like I said, he might lose a tooth, it might be dead.’

Starting to get emotional, she said: ‘But it’s just so much and when I dropped my son off at nursery, I looked at my clock and I saw that I had three minutes left to get the train.

‘And people have to do this every single day, but the worst thing for me is the fact that because it was a meeting for my charity, it’s not even me that I am letting down.

‘It’s all the kids that the Kerslake Robshaw foundation supports

‘And had I not had, you know, to completely interrupt my day yesterday to go pick up my son, I probably would have looked and been like, OK, I don’t think I’m going to be abel to make my train.

The opera singer admitted she was struggling to balance her peraonal and professional life

The opera singer admitted she was struggling to balance her peraonal and professional life 

Breaking down in tears, Camilla said: 'But you know I didn’t aee Chris all night, he was working in the day, I was working in the night - and the day - and it’s just really really hard because I just always feel like Im failing at something

Breaking down in tears, Camilla said: ‘But you know I didn’t aee Chris all night, he was working in the day, I was working in the night – and the day – and it’s just really really hard because I just always feel like Im failing at something

‘I don’t see how I can do drop off and make my train, so I probably would have seen if there ws anyone awroun to help

‘And someties there is and to be honest, sometimes there’s not with us, but I’m sure I could have asked someone just to help.’

Breaking down in tears, Camilla said: ‘But you know I didn’t aee Chris all night, he was working in the day, I was working in the night – and the day – and it’s just really really hard because I just always feel like Im failing at something.

‘Not being the mum that I want to be or I don’t have any time to practise the music that I have to for the operas I have coming up.

‘And I had a gig at the weekend and I’ve just not been able to do any practise for it. Or I’m letting down the kids our charity supports.

‘I know some people have it so much worse and I just don’t understand how we can expect to do it all the time.’

Camilla captioned the post with the words: ‘ Just an overwhelmed mum with unbrushed hair, ugly crying on the internet because she feels like she’s failing at everything *all* the time.’ 

Chris sweetly wrote: ‘You are an incredible mum and we all love you.’ 

For more information on how you can help the charity, visit https://www.kerslakerobshawfoundation.com/ 

Police Release Sketch of Suspect in Arlington Heights Bicycle Assault Near Lake Arlington, IL

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Authorities in Arlington Heights, Illinois, have unveiled sketches depicting a man suspected of assaulting a woman on her way home.

The attack reportedly took place around 11:15 p.m. on a Sunday near Lake Arlington, specifically in the vicinity of Windsor Drive and Jonquil Circle, according to police statements.

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The victim, an 18-year-old woman, recounted that she was returning from a friend’s house when a man on a bicycle approached her, inquiring about her name, as detailed by police.

When she did not respond, the suspect allegedly knocked her to the ground and attempted to strangle her, police reported.

Showing remarkable resilience, the young woman managed to fend off her assailant and successfully alerted a passing driver for assistance, police added.

Police say the suspect took off on Windsor toward Palatine Road. They’re asking residents and businesses in the area to check their surveillance cameras.

On Thursday, police released sketches of the suspect and a surveillance photo.

Arlington Heights police released sketches of the man suspected of attacking a woman on Sunday, June 7.
Arlington Heights police released sketches of the man suspected of attacking a woman on Sunday, June 7.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Woman attacked by bicyclist while walking in Arlington Heights, police say

The suspect is described as a 6-foot-tall man with a muscular build and long braided hair with circular-framed glasses.

The woman had non-life-threatening injuries, police said, but was hospitalized with bruises to her face.

SEE ALSO: Chicagoan restrains man who allegedly choked off-duty flight attendant, tried to open cockpit: VIDEO

Anyone with information is asked to call the Arlington Heights Police Department at 847-368-5300.

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Florida Man Charged with Selling Juice as Rare Bourbon in Multi-State Scam


MADISONVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — In a bizarre twist of events, a man from Hopkins County faces allegations of substituting apple juice for expensive bourbon in a Facebook sales scheme.

According to court filings, a UPS investigator alerted the Madisonville Police Department about an alleged organized crime operation. The investigator claimed that James Willetts, aged 38, was fraudulently marketing what he purported to be rare bourbon within Facebook groups.

Concerns arose when the Madisonville UPS branch received multiple complaints from customers who had anticipated receiving bourbon from Willetts, only to find their packages contained water bottles and apple juice.

Records indicate that the first incident was flagged in January 2025. UPS staff informed police that Willetts had dispatched several empty boxes to a buyer in Oklahoma, who was under the impression that the shipping fees were $918.

Willetts allegedly explained to UPS workers that the empty boxes were part of a prank, while admitting to sending 15 other parcels via UPS over the previous six months.

Court documents report that investigators have located victims in Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Florida.

“These transactions totaled approximately 97 collectible bottles sold,” Madisonville police wrote.

Willetts allegedly scammed customers out of over $86,000.

He was arrested on June 3 and charged with theft by deception of $10,000 or more. Willetts has since been released on a $10,000 bond.

Monaco Grand Prix Champion Kimi Antonelli Playfully Teases Kim Kardashian

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Kim Kardashian recently found herself the subject of some playful teasing from Monaco Grand Prix champion Kimi Antonelli after an amusing incident involving a towel.

The 45-year-old reality star, who is currently in a relationship with 41-year-old Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, drew some light-hearted criticism during her visit to the prestigious race event last weekend, where she was supporting her new beau.

After the race concluded, Kardashian was caught on camera taking a towel that was meant for Mercedes driver Antonelli, who had just claimed victory over Hamilton on Sunday.

A video that has since gained widespread attention on social media captures the moment Kardashian walked by the winner’s podium, picked up the towel, and used it to dab her face after removing her sunglasses.

In response, the Mercedes F1 team shared a humorous video featuring the 19-year-old Antonelli jokingly asking, “I was wondering, have you seen my towel?”

The next clip showed his teammate George Russell being asked: ‘George have you seen Kimi’s towel?’ 

‘No?’ he replied. 

Kim Kardashian has been mocked by Monaco Grand Prix winner Kimi Antonelli for 'stealing his towel' in a new hilarious video

Kim Kardashian has been mocked by Monaco Grand Prix winner Kimi Antonelli for ‘stealing his towel’ in a new hilarious video

The reality star, who is dating Lewis Hamilton, has come under fire after stealing a towel that had been left out for Mercedes driver Antonelli, who had pipped her man to first place

The reality star, who is dating Lewis Hamilton, has come under fire after stealing a towel that had been left out for Mercedes driver Antonelli, who had pipped her man to first place

A final clip showed Kimi washing his hands as he asked again: ‘Hey, have you seen my towel?’

They captioned the video: ‘Anyone seen @Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s towel? #kimiantonelli #georgerussell #mercedes #f1 #formula1’

Fans have branded the clip ‘iconic’ as several told Kimi to ‘check Lewis Hamilton’s laundry basket’ while others joked the SKIMs mogul ‘thought it said Kim not Kimi’. 

They penned: ‘She thought it said KIM not KIMI; In Hamilton’s laundry basket; Keeping up with the Antonellis; Has anybody seen Kim(i)s towel?;

‘Kimi’s towel or Kim’s towel; Do check Lewis’s laundry basket Guysss; It’s Kim’s towel now…; This is what we call ICONIC; This is a masterpiece’.

Kim was joined for her F1 WAG debut in Monaco by her sister Khloe and watched the race unfold with fellow WAG Alexandra Leclerc.

The Kardashian sisters were transported to the circuit’s VIP entrance on a boat, making a dramatic entrance that was fitting for the glamorous circuit.

Kim wowed in a chic cream dress and sky-high heels to cheer on Hamilton, while Khloe dressed for the scorching temperatures in a lace-trimmed slip dress and a white waistcoat.

Now, Mercedes have poked fun at the mishap in a new video as Antonelli asked: 'I was wondering have you seen my towel?'

Now, Mercedes have poked fun at the mishap in a new video as Antonelli asked: ‘I was wondering have you seen my towel?’

The next clip showed his teammate George Russell being asked: 'George have you seen Kimi's towel?' 'No?' he replied

The next clip showed his teammate George Russell being asked: ‘George have you seen Kimi’s towel?’ ‘No?’ he replied

They captioned the video: 'Anyone seen @Andrea Kimi Antonelli¿s towel? #kimiantonelli #georgerussell #mercedes #f1 #formula1'

They captioned the video: ‘Anyone seen @Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s towel? #kimiantonelli #georgerussell #mercedes #f1 #formula1’ 

Fans have branded the clip 'iconic' as several told Kimi to 'check Lewis Hamilton's laundry basket' while others joked the SKIMs mogul 'thought it said Kim not Kimi'

Fans have branded the clip ‘iconic’ as several told Kimi to ‘check Lewis Hamilton’s laundry basket’ while others joked the SKIMs mogul ‘thought it said Kim not Kimi’

After the race, Lewis finally broke his silence on his relationship with Kim after the pair’s PDA packed stint at the Monaco Grand Prix. 

After blowing Kim a kiss from the podium, Lewis said: ‘It’s amazing to have her come this weekend and have her support. My friends [in general]. It was an incredible turnout overall.

‘I don’t know what else to say. It’s amazing to have good people around you and supporting you. And she does that for me every day.’

Lewis also wasn’t disheartened by the fact he has yet to win a race since joining Ferrari last year saying he felt ‘inspired to level up’ and that overall he was feeling ‘happy, grateful and thankful.’

British racer Lewis was first romantically linked to SKIMS founder Kim, 45, earlier this year, yet the Grand Prix marked their first PDA filled outing. 

The pair enjoyed a trip to Japan together and they are said to have spent a weekend at Estelle Manor in the Cotswolds, England, as well as visiting Paris, France in early February.

They also appeared publicly together during the 2026 Super Bowl in February, when they were shown on the stadium’s big screen during the game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.

Lewis – who has previously been linked romantically with singer Nicole Scherzinger and actress Sofía Vergara – and Kim had previously known each other for several years.

A source told Us Weekly: ‘Because their relationship started with a friendship first, those closest to them believe this could be endgame for them both.

‘They are both very committed to making things work no matter how long the distance is or how busy they are.’

Kim was joined for her F1 WAG debut in Monaco by her sister Khloe and watched the race unfold with fellow WAG Alexandra Leclerc

Kim was joined for her F1 WAG debut in Monaco by her sister Khloe and watched the race unfold with fellow WAG Alexandra Leclerc

Meanwhile, Kim – who is mother to North, 12, Saint, 10, Chicago, eight, and Psalm, seven, with her ex-husband Kanye West – is said to be taking her new relationship seriously.

A source recently told PEOPLE: ‘[Lewis is] just an easy-going guy with great energy. Her family likes him and Kim’s very into him.

‘They are both busy with their careers, but see each other as much as possible.’

They are said to have ‘more than just a casual connection’ with the insider adding: ‘It takes a lot to capture Kim’s interest and she’s definitely intrigued.’

Former Basketball Star Karmelo Anthony Receives 35-Year Sentence for Austin Metcalf Murder

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Karmelo Anthony has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Austin Metcalf, a crime that has shaken the Texas community. The verdict was delivered on June 9, following a swift three-hour deliberation by a jury in Collin County, Texas. The tragic incident occurred in April 2025 and involved the death of 17-year-old Austin, who was a member of a rival high school’s track team.

During the sentencing hearing, Karmelo’s mother made an emotional plea to the jury, asking them to “please have mercy on my son,” according to NBC News. She expressed that Karmelo was “very sorry for what he did,” highlighting the remorse he felt for his actions.

In a heart-wrenching moment, Austin’s family members addressed the court, sharing victim impact statements. Throughout their testimonies, Karmelo remained subdued, with his head bowed. Austin’s mother, Meghan Metcalf, conveyed the depth of their loss, stating, “My son was murdered. He didn’t just die—he was taken from us, just as he was starting to live,” as reported by NBC 5.

Austin’s family also spoke in the courtroom during victim impact statements, during which Karmelo kept his head down.

“My son was murdered,” Austin’s mother Meghan Metcalf said, according to NBC 5. “He didn’t just die—he was taken from us, just as he was starting to live.”

Addressing Karmelo, she added, “You should feel lucky because I’ve been sentenced to a life without my son.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Austin’s dad Jeff Metcalf. 

“We were robbed,” he said. “If you asked me what my son’s death did to me, I would tell you it destroyed the person I used to be.”

Slamming his fist down, he shouted, according to the outlet, “It’s rage! Pure unfiltered rage!” 

Karmelo finally lifted his head when Austin’s twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, asked that he make eye contact. 

“Eventually, you will be forgotten,” Hunter said, “but my brother’s legacy will never be forgotten.” 

The scene outside the courthouse was just as emotional as Karmelo’s family walked toward their cars amid chants of “Justice for Karmello,” according to NBC 5. 

The Metcalf family, alongside Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, also addressed the crowd outside. 

“Today, justice was served,” Willis said, according to Fox Austin 7. “A year ago, when this senseless murder unfolded, I said that it had struck a deep nerve in Collin County and far beyond.” 

The sentencing concludes a highly publicized trial that drew national attention, including debate over whether Karmelo acted in self-defense.   

On April 2, 2025, officers from the Frisco Police Department responded to reports of a stabbing at a track meet at Memorial High School.

According to authorities, Karmelo and Austin got into an altercation, which ended when Austin was fatally stabbed.

Witnesses told police that students were huddled under a tent at the track to avoid the rain when Austin told Karmelo to leave the reserved area, according to a probable cause affidavit viewed by Oxygen.

In response, Karmelo allegedly told Austin, per the affidavit, “Touch me and see what happens,” leading to the stabbing.

When police arrived, Karmelo allegedly claimed he was protecting himself, according to charging documents. 

Then, when a school officer referred to Karmelo as the “alleged suspect,” Karmelo allegedly responded, “I’m not alleged; I did it,” according to the charging documents. “He put his hands on me. I told him not to.”

Despite life-saving efforts, Austin died from his injuries. 

Karmelo was arrested for murder and pleaded not guilty, according to court records viewed by Oxygen.

The trial began on June 1 and hinged upon whether Karmelo had acted in self-defense when he stabbed Austin.

Karmelo’s defense attorney Mike Howard argued in court, according to NBC News, that his client reacted to “fear and chaos.”

“After Karmelo defended himself with that knife, he ran,” he said, per the outlet. “He didn’t stab again. He dropped the knife. He didn’t stab anyone else.”

Meanwhile, the prosecution argued that Karmelo’s use of force was unjustified.

Among the evidence they presented was testimony from Collin County Chief Medical Examiner Elizabeth Ventura, who shared that Austin was stabbed through the heart, with the knife leaving a gaping two-inch stab wound, according to Fox 7.

What Happens Next for Karmelo Anthony?

Karmelo was immediately transferred to the Collin County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, where he is being held in isolation away from the general population, a jail representative told the New York Post. 

He will be eligible for parole after serving 15 years, according to People. 

Karmelo has already filed a notice of appeal, according to Howard.

“We believe there are several important issues for the appellate courts to consider,” Howard told TMZ. “An appeal is the next part of the legal process and a right afforded every American.”

Willis and Howard did not immediately return requests for comment from Oxygen. 

Ebola Frontline Faces Intensifying Challenges Amid Escalating Outbreak

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IN BRIEF

  • Three laboratories processing Ebola samples temporarily ran out of testing supplies, the WHO says.
  • Experts say rapid diagnosis and trusted local healthcare workers are key to slowing transmission.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, doctors have reportedly initiated a nationwide strike as the nation confronts an escalating Ebola crisis alongside a lack of essential laboratory testing materials.

Local reports reveal that the healthcare professionals have resorted to this industrial action, highlighting grievances with the government over insufficient responses to their calls for better pay, enhanced working conditions, and increased funding for the health sector.

SBS News has learned that despite the strike, emergency services remain operational to ensure care for the most vulnerable patients. Meanwhile, discussions between government representatives and union officials are ongoing.

Dr. Suman Majumdar, an associate professor at Melbourne’s Burnet Institute, emphasized to SBS News the importance of workforce support to effectively manage outbreak responses.

“During public health emergencies, any workforce disruption must be carefully managed to sustain critical and emergency services while swiftly addressing the underlying issues,” he stated.

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“Health worker safety and patient safety are closely connected and should not be treated as competing priorities.”

The reported strike comes as health authorities and international agencies work to contain one of the largest Ebola outbreaks in the country’s recent history.

Testing delays raise concerns

Complicating response efforts, three laboratories involved in Ebola testing have run out of supplies needed to process samples, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In its latest situation report, the WHO said laboratories in Bukavu and Lwiro in South Kivu province, and Goma in neighbouring North Kivu, had exhausted stocks of reagents, substances required to run diagnostic tests.

The agency said laboratories were awaiting deliveries before they could resume testing backlogged samples.

Professor Paul Griffin, an infectious diseases physician and clinical microbiologist at the University of Queensland, said reduced testing capacity could have significant implications during an active outbreak.

“One of the main parts of the response is the surveillance element — finding suspected cases, confirming whether they are cases, and implementing appropriate contact tracing and infection control practices,” he said.

“Testing is vital to establishing how significant the outbreak is and controlling onward transmission.”

Griffin said delays in identifying cases could quickly compound.

“For every case that’s missed … that person can then go on to spread to many others, who in turn can spread to many others further down the line,” he said.

He said growing testing backlogs risked delaying isolation, treatment and contact tracing.

“It really could undermine the entire public health and infection control effort if that testing isn’t done in a timely manner,” he said.

Ebola cases rising

In a statement published on X, Congolese authorities said there had been 598 confirmed cases and 115 deaths linked to the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

Authorities also reported 22 recoveries and said new infections had not spread into additional health zones.

The outbreak was officially declared on 15 May, though officials have since said transmission had likely gone undetected for weeks before it was identified.

Conflict and mistrust complicate response

Health officials say containing the outbreak has been made more difficult by insecurity and armed conflict across eastern DR Congo, local media report.

Mistrust and resistance have also complicated efforts, with reports of attacks on treatment centres and burial teams.

Speaking at an online briefing this week, professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, director of DR Congo’s National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), said lessons from previous Ebola responses around community engagement were not being consistently applied.

“For the moment I am a bit disappointed because I don’t see in practice these experiences on the ground,” he said.

“It seemed we have to learn again how to involve the community in this outbreak.”

Majumdar said supporting healthcare workers and maintaining community trust were critical to keeping outbreak responses functioning.

“When frontline workers are protected, listened to and properly resourced, health systems are better able to maintain trust, sustain services and keep pace with the response,” he said.

Aid organisation International Rescue Committee this week called for more funding to strengthen containment efforts in Ituri province before the outbreak spreads further.


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NYC Public School Organizes Racially Segmented Meetings for Parents and Staff

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A public school in Manhattan is sparking debate with its approach to parental and teacher workshops, treating them as “separate but equal.”

P.S. 003 Charrette School, located in the West Village, plans to host a workshop that categorizes parents and staff into “affinity” groups based on race and ethnicity. This initiative has been criticized by legal experts who view it as discriminatory.

The workshop’s invitation, posted on the school’s website, asks, “What Does it Mean to be White in a Multi-Racial Community at PS3? — How does whiteness influence the collective child experience at PS3, as well as the broader community? White-identifying PS3 community members – SIGN UP HERE.”

Scheduled for June 16, the “Listening Circles” event is being conducted in collaboration with Liberation Spaces, a consulting firm dedicated to promoting “equity and liberation.”

The invitation details that participants will initially gather on Zoom with Liberation Spaces for an overview. They will then be divided into smaller racial identity-based groups, each facilitated by a guide, for more focused discussions.

“Bring your valuable perspective and ideas for the future of our school,” it states.

“BIPOC Folks – Educators, staff, parents and caregivers who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian, and other people of color – SIGN UP HERE,” it adds — while white parents and teachers are told to participate in a separate group.

The bottom of the invitation cites sources of support for the program, including an article titled “Why People of Color Need Spaces Without White People” and another headlined “Becoming an Anti-racist White Ally: How a White Affinity Group Can Help.”

Some families and educators were shocked at being advised to separate into groups by race.

“The PS 3 PTA Charrette Listening Circles facilitated by Liberation Spaces is planning on segregating parents into ‘BIPOC Folks’ and ‘White-identifying’ affinity groups,” noted Moshe Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers who said he was contacted by PS 3 parents who objected to the event.

“That doesn’t build community. Instead, it divides and isolates families,” Spern said.

One civil rights lawyer said separating parents or educators by race was clearly illegal, citing the 1954 landmark US Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education that struck down racial segregation or “separate but equal” education as unconstitutional.

“Segregating public school parents by race or ethnicity is not only offensive, it’s also unlawful,” said William Jacobson, a Cornell University law professor and founder of the Equal Protection Project, a nonprofit conservative advocacy organization.

“The federal civil rights statutes cover all aspects of school programming, not just what happens in the classroom,” he said.

“Segregating faculty and staff by race or ethnicity also may be an unlawful employment practice,” Jacobson added. “Outsourcing these programs to an outside consultant does not insulate the school from liability and responsibility.”

A majority of PS3’s roughly 600 students are white.

Spern noted Jewish parents and teachers are not even mentioned on the program description, despite a surge in antisemitism.

“This isn’t the time to hide from issues, especially those facing the Jewish community. We should have real conversations around race and bias but needs to be done in a way that makes everyone feel safe and inclusive.”

PS 3 refers to itself as a “charrette” school that touts group brainstorming.

The school principal, Hillary Casado, declined to comment.

A spokesperson for Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels and the Department of Education said the PS 3 parents association was running the “Listening Circles” program, not the school administration.

“New York City Public Schools remains focused on fostering welcoming, inclusive environments where all students and families feel respected and supported. This event was organized by the school’s PTA,” said DOE spokesperson Chyann Tull.

“PTAs may separately choose to host a variety of programs and discussions for their parent communities.”

But Jacobson, of the Equal Protection Project, said the school and the city are still “potentially liable” for a PTA-led school program that violates the law, if they “promote or facilitate” it in any way “including on the school website.”

The race-based “Listening Circles” is prominently displayed on the PS 3 website and said it is sponsored by the “The PS3 Charrette Planning Committee.”

Such a race-based or exclusionary program could draw scrutiny from the Trump administration.

On Tuesday, the Justice Department announced it launched a civil rights probe of the City University of New York “Black Male Initiative” for allegedly favoring “non-white” minorities. CUNY claimed the program is open to all, despite its name.

“Race can never play a role when deciding how to distribute educational resources or opportunities,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon.

During President Trump’s first term, the US Department of Education found that racial “affinity groups” discriminated against students and staff.

But the Biden administration suspended that decision.

The goal of the racial separation programs is to help address discrimination and “white privilege,” supporters say.

The Post in 2020 exclusively reported that city early childhood teachers were asked to segregate into discussion groups based on skin color, race and ethnicity following George Floyd’s killing by Minneapolis police and the subsequent violent protests.

St. Paul AME Zion Church in Johnson City Targeted by Vandalism


JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Congregants of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church have embarked on a mission to clean and restore their place of worship following acts of vandalism that occurred late Monday afternoon.

As reported by News Channel 11, the church sustained significant damage, including numerous shattered windows. Rev. Dr. Charlotte Comage shared that the damage was inflicted by individuals hurling canned goods at the windows.