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Erik and Lyle Menendez Granted Early Parole Suitability Hearing Set for March 2027

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LOS ANGELES — Erik and Lyle Menendez have been granted an earlier parole suitability hearing, with the proceeding tentatively set for March 2027.

The Menendez brothers were originally ordered to spend the rest of their lives in prison without the chance of parole after being convicted in the 1989 killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

For years, members of the Menendez family have advocated for the brothers to be resentenced and eventually released. That effort led to a major shift in May 2025, when Erik and Lyle Menendez were resentenced to 50 years to life, opening the door for parole eligibility.

Their bid for release hit a setback in August 2025, when the parole board denied them parole, citing prison rule violations that included illegal cellphones. Erik Menendez was also reportedly connected at one point to a prison gang. Although relatives have described the brothers as model inmates, the board found that their prison conduct made them unsuitable for parole at that time.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office released the following statement:


“Our position remains the same whether it’s 2027, 2028 or any year after. If the Menendez brothers stop committing violations of the prison’s rules and fully accept responsibility for, and own up to, all the lies they’ve told for over 30 years, including their biggest lie, the self-defense defense, then they may be amenable to being released on parole.”

The brothers were previously eligible to apply for a hearing with the California Board of Parole in August 2028.

“For almost 40 years, Erik and Lyle have worked to take responsibility for their actions, confront and heal from the unimaginable abuse and trauma they endured, grow as individuals, and dedicate themselves to serving others,” the family of Erik and Lyle Menendez told ABC News-owned station KABC in a statement.

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The family said the brothers have established a hospice program and have launched a beautification project during their more than three decades in prison.

“Erik and Lyle were once sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. We will always be profoundly grateful that they have been resentenced and that our family can now imagine a future in which they are once again part of our everyday lives,” the family’s statement continued.

During trial in 1993, prosecutors alleged that the brothers — who went on a spending spree after the slayings — killed their wealthy parents for financial gain.

The defense argued the siblings acted in self-defense after enduring years of sexual abuse by their father.

The juries for Erik and Lyle Menendez were deadlocked, and mistrials were declared for both cases, but a second trial in 1996 — during which the judge barred much of the sex abuse evidence — led to convictions of first-degree murder and two consecutive life prison terms without the possibility of parole.

ABC News’ Emily Shapiro contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2026 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Andrew Hastie Reveals Personal Betrayal After Testifying Against Ben Roberts-Smith

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Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has opened up about the personal fallout from giving evidence in Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation case against Nine, saying “people I trusted have walked away from me” since his involvement in the high-profile trial.

In a letter sent to supporters, Hastie singled out One Nation as the party prepares a campaign to unseat the former SAS officer in his West Australian electorate of Canning, declaring he would no longer tolerate what he described as “slander” over the case.

Hastie confirmed he had been called to testify against Roberts-Smith and, in an unusually personal reflection, conceded the experience had come at a cost. He also pointed to the Federal Court’s assessment of him as a “straightforward” witness.

He also issued a pointed warning to One Nation party director James Ashby, saying any push to remove him from parliament would become a “very costly exercise in time, money and political capital”.

Hastie’s response followed a Sunday Times front page carrying the headline “I’m Canning for you next”, a reference to One Nation’s plans to target him after its surprise win in Secret Harbour, a state seat that overlaps with his federal electorate.

Hastie said the attacks were linked to his evidence in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial, where he appeared alongside other current and former members of the SAS.

‘I won’t take any more slander from One Nation. Not after they called me a traitor to my own country,’ he said.

‘I [gave evidence] with more than 20 other combat veterans and witnesses from the Special Air Service Regiment.’

Andrew Hastie (pictured) called One Nation ‘cowards’ for attacking his record of service 

Hastie cited Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko’s findings as proof he had acted with integrity.

‘Justice Besanko, in his ruling, found that I was a “straightforward witness”. For that, I’ve been called a rat, a traitor, a dog c—, and many other things,’ he said.

‘People I trusted have walked away from me or failed to defend me.’

While acknowledging the personal toll, Hastie insisted he was not seeking sympathy.

‘I seek no sympathy for the slings and arrows fired my way,’ he said.

Instead, he accused One Nation of exploiting the controversy for political gain.

‘One Nation are working to unseat me because they don’t believe in the rule of law, nor do they believe in holding Australian soldiers to high standards of battlefield conduct,’ he said.

‘Now I’m calling time on cowards who have never served a day in the Australian Defence Force for attacking my service record, my integrity, and my loyalty to Australia.’

One Nation has targeted Hastie over his role in the Ben Roberts Smith (pictured) trial  

Hastie was asked about One Nation during an appearance on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing on Monday. He struck a different tone – brushing aside the threat and pointing to his track record in Canning.

‘I don’t worry about that. I’ve got one job, and that is to deliver for my electorate,’ he told Patricia Karvelas.

‘I love my electorate. I’ve lived there for 11 years. My kids were born down there, they’re at school there.’

The shadow minister pointed to major wins for the fast-growing region, including a commitment from the WA Labor government to build a new train station at Secret Harbour.

‘I’ve delivered a lot of infrastructure and I’m still getting wins, by the way,’ he said.

‘The Labor state government committed to a new train station, which they now have to build for the people of Secret Harbour. One Nation didn’t fight for that. I campaigned for that for the last year and a half, and Labor committed so it’s going to happen.’

‘I stand by my record of delivery. I’m not worried about who’s taking potshots at me. I just get on with the job.’

Russian Drone and Missile Strikes Kill 2 in Kyiv After Pause

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KYIV – Russia launched an overnight barrage of drones and missiles at Kyiv on Tuesday, killing two people and injuring at least 10 others, local officials in the Ukrainian capital said.

The strikes followed a brief lull over the weekend and came as U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Kyiv for their first official visit, part of a renewed diplomatic effort to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported fires and damage across at least five districts of Kyiv. In a Telegram statement, the Kyiv City Military Administration said civilian infrastructure had been damaged at no fewer than 16 sites.

In the Holosiivskyi district, a 26-story non-residential building was struck. Elsewhere in the same district, a fire erupted and spread to a nearby non-residential structure. Emergency crews rescued one person during search operations, while two others were evacuated from an apartment inside a 16-story residential building.

In the Solomianskyi district, people were trapped inside a five-story residential building. At least 10 people were pulled to safety, the emergency service said, adding that fires were also reported in the Darnytskyi and Podilskyi districts.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Alachua Man Arrested After Bike Rack Smashes Car Windshield

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ALACHUA, Fla. – A 34-year-old Alachua man was arrested Saturday morning after police said he threw a bike rack at a vehicle, breaking its windshield, and was later found with more than 30 grams of marijuana during a search.

According to the Alachua Police Department, an officer was called to the 15300 block of Merrillwood Drive at about 6:29 a.m. on September 6. The victim told police that her ex-boyfriend, identified as Rahkee Tyrone Hall, had thrown a bike rack at her windshield, causing it to shatter.

Police later found Hall, who reportedly acknowledged throwing the bike rack at the woman’s vehicle because he was upset with her. He also allegedly told the officer that he had marijuana in his backpack and that his medical marijuana card had expired. During a search following the arrest, the officer reportedly found a dispensary canister labeled for 14 grams that contained approximately 30.7 grams of marijuana. Police said they also confirmed Hall’s medical marijuana card was no longer valid.

Hall, who is listed as a designated violent felony offender of special concern, was charged with misdemeanor property damage and possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. Court records show he has 13 non-violent felony convictions, six non-violent misdemeanor convictions and has served three state prison sentences, with his most recent release in August 2024. Judge Sheree Lancaster set his bail at $7,500.

Which Vogue Cover Girl Was Robert De Niro’s Love Interest?

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Ingrid Boulting became a fashion-world fixture in the 1960s and 1970s, appearing on the cover of Vogue before moving into film and playing Robert De Niro’s love interest in the Hollywood drama The Last Tycoon.

Now 79, the former actress and model made a rare public appearance in Ojai, California, where she was spotted enjoying a quiet walk with her dogs.

Boulting, who trained in ballet when she was younger, looked effortlessly elegant in a violet top paired with dark green trousers. She completed the look with a bright, patterned scarf and wore her silver hair neatly pinned back.

The British-born beauty, who comes from a well-known creative family, appeared in The Last Tycoon, the final film directed by celebrated filmmaker Elia Kazan.

After years in front of the camera, Boulting has embraced a more private life, focusing on her work as an artist and yoga instructor.

So can you guess who she is?

Her face graced the covers of Vogue in the 1960's and 70's before she went on to star as Robert De Niro's romantic interest in a Hollywood classic

Her face graced the covers of Vogue in the 1960’s and 70’s before she went on to star as Robert De Niro’s romantic interest in a Hollywood classic

The now 79-year-old former actress and model was recently seen on a rare outing in Ojai, California as she took her dogs for a walk. Can you guess who she is?

The now 79-year-old former actress and model was recently seen on a rare outing in Ojai, California as she took her dogs for a walk. Can you guess who she is? 

It’s Ingrid Boulting!

Boulting starred as Kathleen Moore in the 1976 film The Last Tycoon alongside De Niro. 

It was the last film directed by the famed Kazan.

The story was based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s last, unfinished novel. 

The romantic Hollywood drama follows Monroe Stahr (De Niro), an ambitious 1930s Hollywood studio executive who is loosely based on legendary producer Irving Thalberg. 

Boulting starred as the young woman who became Stahr’s romantic interest. 

Boulting also appeared on four British Vogue covers including three by David Bailey and one by Norman Parkinson. 

During her recent walk, she was pictured stopping to stretch and showed off some of her impressive yoga moves. 

Her laid-back outfit was finalized with a pair of grey sneakers and a colorful scarf.

It's Ingrid Boulting! The beauty has appeared on four British Vogue covers including three by David Bailey and one by Norman Parkinson

It’s Ingrid Boulting! The beauty has appeared on four British Vogue covers including three by David Bailey and one by Norman Parkinson

She also starred as Kathleen Moore in the 1976 film The Last Tycoon alongside De Niro; The two seen in a still

She also starred as Kathleen Moore in the 1976 film The Last Tycoon alongside De Niro; The two seen in a still 

The star, who trained as a ballet dancer in her youth, wore a chic violet top and dark green pants

The star, who trained as a ballet dancer in her youth, wore a chic violet top and dark green pants

The star, who trained as a ballet dancer in her youth, wore a chic violet top and dark green pants

During her recent walk, she was pictured stopping to stretch and showed off some of her impressive yoga moves

During her recent walk, she was pictured stopping to stretch and showed off some of her impressive yoga moves

She accessorized with a colorful scarf and wore her silver tresses pinned back

She accessorized with a colorful scarf and wore her silver tresses pinned back

Her laid-back outfit was finalized with a pair of grey sneakers and a colorful scarf

Her laid-back outfit was finalized with a pair of grey sneakers and a colorful scarf

The star carried a large black tote bag on her shoulder

The star carried a large black tote bag on her shoulder

She sparkled up her look with a pendant necklace

She sparkled up her look with a pendant necklace

Nowadays she is busy teaching yoga in Ojai, and is the founder and owner of Sacred Space Studio

Nowadays she is busy teaching yoga in Ojai, and is the founder and owner of Sacred Space Studio

The star carried a large black tote bag on her shoulder.

She sparkled up her look with a pendant necklace. 

Her mother was actress turned fashion model Enid Munnik. Boulting’s stepfather was British filmmaker Roy Boulting.

Boulting was raised by her grandparents from the age of two to nine after her mother moved to London in 1949 to pursue a career as one of the most successful fashion models of the 1950s and early 1960s. 

Boulting moved to England at nine and trained as a ballet dancer at the Royal Ballet School in Richmond. 

She landed her first cover at age 15, gracing the front page of Queen magazine as a student ballerina. 

She began her acting career at the Oxford Playhouse, landing minor roles in British films before later turning to fashion modeling. 

She is pictured in Vogue in 1971

She is pictured in Vogue in 1971  

She landed her first cover at age 15, gracing the front page of Queen magazine as a student ballerina, before modeling in Vogue; Pictured in Vogue in 1970

She landed her first cover at age 15, gracing the front page of Queen magazine as a student ballerina, before modeling in Vogue; Pictured in Vogue in 1970

Her biggest role came in The Last Tycoon, which was the last movie directed by filmmaker Elia Kazan. The story was based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's last, unfinished novel

Her biggest role came in The Last Tycoon, which was the last movie directed by filmmaker Elia Kazan. The story was based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s last, unfinished novel

She went on to star in The Witches (1966), The Jokers (1967), Inadmissible Evidence (1968), and The Last Roman (1968).

She later landed her biggest role in The Last Tycoon. 

Boulting also went on to star in the 2006 film Conversations with God.

Nowadays she is busy teaching yoga in Ojai, and is the founder and owner of Sacred Space Studio. 

Jimmy John’s Worker Accused of Shooting 14-Year-Old Girl

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A confrontation that reportedly started inside a Jimmy John’s in St. Louis escalated into gunfire Saturday evening, leaving a 14-year-old girl wounded and a restaurant worker criminally charged after authorities say he fired at a vehicle the teen was riding in.

The girl was hit in the leg shortly before 6 p.m. near Vandeventer and Laclede avenues, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Police said in a statement posted on X that she was transported to a nearby hospital and was in stable condition.

Court records name the accused shooter as 27-year-old Adam White, who investigators say was employed at the Jimmy John’s location where the dispute initially unfolded.

White now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree child endangerment, along with additional offenses.

Police said the incident grew out of a dispute involving the teen’s mother and “several individuals” connected to the Jimmy John’s restaurant in the 3800 block of Laclede Avenue.

“A preliminary investigation indicates the shooting followed a disagreement involving the girl’s mother and several individuals associated with the Jimmy John’s in the 3800 block of Laclede. The mother’s connection to the restaurant remains under investigation,” the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said.

Court documents identified the alleged shooter as 27-year-old Adam White. FOX News

According to investigators, the girl’s mother’s boyfriend later arrived at the restaurant with the 14-year-old. The confrontation escalated, and gunfire erupted.

Court documents allege that White got into a verbal argument with a former employee, which continued into the parking lot. 

Police say the former employee, her boyfriend and her juvenile daughter then got into a vehicle.

As the vehicle drove away, White allegedly fired multiple rounds into its rear, striking the teenage girl in the left leg.

Police said the shooting stemmed from a dispute involving the teenage girl's mother and "several individuals" associated with the Jimmy John's in the 3800 block of Laclede

Police said the shooting stemmed from a dispute involving the teenage girl’s mother and “several individuals” associated with the Jimmy John’s in the 3800 block of Laclede. Google Maps

“As they drove off, the defendant fired multiple rounds into the rear of the vehicle. Victim 3, the juvenile, was struck by one of the bullets in her left leg,” court documents state.

Investigators said they found ballistic damage to the trunk of the vehicle.

According to court documents, White initially fled the scene but later returned and was taken into custody. After being advised of his Miranda rights, White allegedly admitted firing at the vehicle and told detectives he had left the gun at his home.

A judge ordered White held without bond pending trial.

Jimmy John’s and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.

Quieter Russian Nuclear Submarines Pose Growing Threat to NATO, Former Commander Warns

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Russia’s increasingly stealthy next-generation nuclear-powered submarines are testing NATO’s northern flank, as the alliance moves to reinforce the Arctic and North Atlantic routes that guard access to North America, a former NATO commander cautioned. He pointed to President Vladimir Putin’s growing arsenal of “new super weapons and super capabilities” now taking shape across the region.

The concern extends beyond submarines, he said. Russia’s Kola Peninsula has become one of Moscow’s most heavily militarized zones, with expanded airfields, ports and other military infrastructure. The buildup is aimed at tightening Russia’s grip on the Northern Sea Route and strengthening its reach toward the waters around the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom Gap, widely known as the GIUK Gap.

NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum underscored the threat on Sept. 2, describing Russia’s growing submarine activity in the area as “serious.”

“Something is moving beneath the surface,” NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum wrote in a post on X.

A Russian submarine

Russian personnel walk along the gangway to the Russian Navy submarine RFS Petropavlosvsk-Kamchatskiy during a port visit at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Tatan Syuflana/AP Photo)

“Russia is expanding and modernising its submarine force, with the Kola Peninsula remaining a key hub for the Northern Fleet. Among them: new-generation nuclear-powered SSGNs, bringing serious long-range strike and sea-denial capabilities into the High North,” NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum said.

“They may be invisible beneath the waves. But not for us. We see them, we watch the developments closely and yes, we take these developments seriously,” the Joint Force Command added.

The combination of quieter nuclear submarines and Russia’s growing military infrastructure across its Arctic coastline means NATO is confronting an increasingly difficult undersea surveillance challenge, retired Gen. Philip Breedlove told News Media.

“Submarines are one of the toughest threats that we have to deal with — they’re very hard to find and track,” he explained.

“Submarines can get well within striking distance of any nation in the Atlantic. From the United States to our NATO allies, submarines can get close enough to the shore to fire submarine-launched ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, which are a major problem,” the former supreme allied commander Europe for NATO and commander of U.S. European Command added. 

Russia submarine

NATO has recently been strengthening its northern posture amid renewed Russian military activity and the growing strategic importance of the Arctic. (Cheng Jiahao/Xinhua via Getty Images)

Today, countries such as Russia and China are developing similar fleets, posing a growing threat to any nation with a significant coastline, Breedlove said.

“We’ve taken very capable measures in the past to understand what Russia is doing in those waters, and we will now be adapting to the possibility of a quieter submarine,” he said. “Any increase in stealthiness or noise suppression by a Russian submarine is, of course, a problem for NATO.”

Russia’s Yasen-M-class nuclear-powered submarines include advanced acoustic-quieting and sonar technology, according to Military Watch and Russian news agency, TASS.

According to the U.S. Naval Institute, the 13,800-ton submarines can carry 1,000-mile-range cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles and hypersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, with Russian officials stating they remain “invisible.”

“Yasen-M-class nuclear-powered submarines are capable of accomplishing all of the Navy’s objectives in any part of the World Ocean while remaining invisible,” Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Fleet Adm. Alexander Moiseyev said in a June 17 statement, according to TASS, after Russia’s Sevmash shipyard started building the ninth Yasen-M submarine.

kola-peninsula-arctic

Russia is expanding and modernizing its submarine force, with the Kola Peninsula remaining a key hub for the Northern Fleet. Among them: new-generation nuclear-powered SSGNs, bringing serious long-range strike and sea-denial capabilities into the High North,” NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum said on X. (Satellite image (c) 2024 Maxar Technologies.)

“As is often the case when Putin is in trouble — and he’s in trouble now in his war in Ukraine — one of the ways he diverts attention is to start announcing new super weapons and super capabilities that NATO and the West can’t contend with,” Breedlove warned.

“Putin is creating a stir about a new class of submarines that he wants to deploy from what we call the bastion waters in the Far North,” he said before stating that NATO would “have to adapt our measures and our ability to see and track them.”

“We’ve taken excellent measures in the past.” 

Breedlove characterized the GIUK Gap as a critical gateway for Russian naval forces moving from their northern bases toward the Atlantic.

“All the Russian ships have to come out through the GIUK Gap to make it into the Atlantic,” Breedlove said, warning that the seven other Arctic nations, including the United States, are concerned about what Russia is doing.

NATO has also been strengthening its northern posture amid the renewed Russian military activity and the growing strategic importance of the Arctic.

In February 2026, the alliance launched Arctic Sentry, a multidomain military initiative led by Joint Force Command Norfolk and designed to better coordinate allied land, air and maritime activity across the Arctic and High North.

NATO further strengthened its northern flank in June with Forward Land Forces Finland, a Swedish-led multinational force designed to bolster deterrence and defense along the alliance’s northeastern flank, with Finland serving as the host nation, according to a release.

“The Arctic region has been a concern for some years now as ice in the area is receding in the north, and what that has done is created the Northern Passage that allows European trade to happen with Asia much faster,” Breedlove said, stating that for most types of ships, the trips are up to 14 days quicker.

“This is a tremendous economic opportunity, but Russia sees this as an economic opportunity in that they want to control those northern waters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin Visits New Naval Base Of Black Sea Fleet In Novorossiysk

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov at the Naval Base of Black Sea Fleet on September 23, 2014 in Novorossiysk, Russia. (Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images)

Russia has been upgrading airfields, ports and radar systems along the Arctic coast as Moscow seeks greater control over the Northern Sea Route and its commercial traffic, Breedlove said.

The recent NATO buildup however, has drawn strong pushback from Moscow, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warning Aug. 30 that increased Western military activity risks destabilizing the Arctic region.

“Such military activity in the Far North poses a direct threat to Russia’s security,” Lavrov wrote in a public essay.

“It also increases the risk of incidents that could trigger an armed confrontation with potentially disastrous consequences,” he said, according to Reuters.

Disgraced Priest Arrested in Brazen $750,000 Church Theft Scheme

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A Pennsylvania priest is facing criminal charges after authorities accused him of siphoning off roughly $750,000 from three churches, affiliated religious groups, and even his own mother.

Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, was taken into custody in Florida on August 14 over alleged thefts that investigators say stretch back to 2018, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced.

Madeya, who previously served at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in McKeesport, is accused of stealing money from parish accounts, the Knights of Columbus, and nearly $250,000 from his elderly mother, who authorities say was no longer able to manage her own finances.

“It is unconscionable to see a supposed man of God exploiting not only the churches he served, but his own mother,” Attorney General Sunday said in a statement.

Sunday said Madeya allegedly betrayed the confidence placed in him by those closest to him, leaving churches, organizations, and family members to deal with devastating financial losses.

Investigators discovered that Madeya’s mother was evicted from multiple nursing home facilities because of a lack of payment, officials said.

The priest also purchased a 2018 Ford Mustang for $35,433.58 and gave it to a man living with him during the time of the alleged thefts.

Officials said: ‘Witnesses from across the church community relayed instances of missing collections money and fundraising proceeds, donations, rent, and church-related fees that were never deposited into church accounts.’

Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, was arrested in Florida on August 14 in connection with thefts dating back to 2018, from parishes, the Knights of Columbus, and nearly $250,000 from his mother

Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, was arrested in Florida on August 14 in connection with thefts dating back to 2018, from parishes, the Knights of Columbus, and nearly $250,000 from his mother

Madeya, who served as a priest St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in McKeesport (Pictured), allegedly purchased a 2018 Ford Mustang for $35,433.58 and gave it to a man living with him during the time of the alleged thefts

Madeya, who served as a priest St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in McKeesport (Pictured), allegedly purchased a 2018 Ford Mustang for $35,433.58 and gave it to a man living with him during the time of the alleged thefts

In one instance, investigators said they spoke to a jeweler who was allegedly approached by Madeya.

The priest was accused of trying to sell a gold chalice that was purchased for $19,440.

On Thursday, alongside his attorney, the priest appeared in court after he was extradited to Pennsylvania and waived his preliminary hearing, choosing to take his case directly to court, according to CBS News.

‘The judge was very reasonable, and the attorney general was very reasonable, so we had his bail reduced to a monetary bail, which he can post, and he has been in jail now for approximately three weeks,’ said the priest’s attorney, Patrick Thomassey, to reporters outside the courthouse.

‘This case involves a tremendous amount of paperwork. I am not going to comment on the truthfulness or accuracy of the case, but I think it is one where we could have a trial, and there is a lot to be said about the whole situation involving how priests are paid in the Catholic Church.’

On Thursday, alongside his attorney, the priest appeared in court after he was extradited to Pennsylvania and waived his preliminary hearing

On Thursday, alongside his attorney, the priest appeared in court after he was extradited to Pennsylvania and waived his preliminary hearing

Patrick Thomassey, told reporters outside the courthouse the prosecutors and the judge we're being very 'reasonable' but he would not give 'comment on the truthfulness or accuracy of the case'

Patrick Thomassey, told reporters outside the courthouse the prosecutors and the judge we’re being very ‘reasonable’ but he would not give ‘comment on the truthfulness or accuracy of the case’

Officials said that Madeya fraudulently misappropriated $319,997.03 from multiple churches and followers, as well as more than $230,000 from his mother’s investment accounts.

He is also accused of failing to pay $248,663.43 in taxes.

Madeya faces charges of felony dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by unlawful taking, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person, and access device fraud.

According to his criminal docket, cited by CBS, the priest has yet to post his $25,000 bail and is housed at the Westmoreland County Prison.

Erica Mena and Safaree’s Daughter Safire Lands Her First Movie Role

Erica Mena and Safaree Samuels’ daughter, Safire Majesty, is officially making her move into movies.

The 6-year-old has landed her first film role with Footage Films Studios and director Chris Stokes, Mena revealed in a celebratory Instagram post.

“My baby just found out she BOOKED HER FIRST MOVIE ROLE,” Mena captioned a video showing Safire’s sweet reaction to the exciting news.

For the reality star and actress, the milestone felt especially meaningful. Mena explained that Safire has practically grown up around film sets, tagging along as a baby while her mother worked on The Stepmother 3 and later getting a behind-the-scenes look at the production of Run.

It was during the filming of Run, Mena shared, that Safire started wondering when she would finally get her own moment in front of the camera.

“The whole time we filmed RUN she kept saying ‘Mommy, I want to be in a movie too!’ and specifically asking when she could do a movie with @chrisstokes1969,” Mena shared.

Safire eventually got her opportunity to audition and landed the part.

“She auditioned, she earned her role and now she’s getting ready to film her FIRST MOVIE!” Mena wrote. “Watching my daughter fall in love with something she’s watched her mommy work so hard at and now stepping into it for herself… I can’t explain this feeling.”

Embed from Getty Images

Mena added, “Well baby… YOUR TIME HAS COME,” before declaring, “This is HER beginning.”

Safire’s interest in her mom’s work is something Mena has spoken about before. When celebrating her daughter’s sixth birthday earlier this year, she described Safire as affectionate, peaceful, loving and deeply connected to her family.

“She also watches me work relentlessly to provide for her and her brothers,” Mena wrote at the time. “She sees the discipline, the sacrifice and the commitment it takes to build a good life.”

Mena also called Safire “brilliant” and “talented,” while sharing that her daughter loves fashion and already has a strong personality.

“She is light,” the mom of three wrote. “Strong-minded like me. A force already.”

Safire is the oldest child Mena and Safaree share together. They are also parents to son Legend, while Mena has an older son, King.

Iconic Sydney Pub to Close After 15 Years in Shock Announcement

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A much-loved Sydney pub is preparing to call time after 15 years, even as its owners say the venue remains a busy and successful local favourite.

The Stoned Crow in Crows Nest, on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, has built a loyal following over the years thanks to its crowd-pleasing food deals, creative cocktail and drinks lists, and warm, energetic pub atmosphere.

The neighbourhood hotspot has also enjoyed the occasional celebrity moment, including a memorable visit from Justin Bieber, who stopped by for beers while in Sydney in 2017.

The site’s story goes back decades, with the venue first trading as The Stoned Crow in 1965 before the current operators took the reins in 2011.

Now, after what they described as 15 “incredible” years running the popular Crows Nest pub, the owners have confirmed The Stoned Crow will serve its final drinks on Sunday, October 4.

‘Our lease is coming to an end and we’ve got one last month to celebrate The Stoned Crow – and what a 15 years it’s been,’ the team wrote on social media. 

‘We’re sad to be closing our doors but more than anything we want to celebrate everything The Stoned Crow has been and the memories we’ve created together. 

‘From the first day we opened, we’ve been lucky enough to have an amazing team, both front and back of house, incredibly loyal customers, and a community that has made The Stoned Crow what it is today.’

A beloved Sydney pub has announced it will close its doors after 15 years - despite the owners insisting the business is still 'thriving'

A beloved Sydney pub has announced it will close its doors after 15 years – despite the owners insisting the business is still ‘thriving’

The Stoned Crow in Crows Nest, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, has long been a favourite among locals for its food specials, inventive drinks menus and lively atmosphere

The Stoned Crow in Crows Nest, on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, has long been a favourite among locals for its food specials, inventive drinks menus and lively atmosphere

It has even attracted its share of famous faces, with Justin Bieber famously dropping into the neighbourhood watering hole for beers during a visit to Sydney in 2017 (pictured)

It has even attracted its share of famous faces, with Justin Bieber famously dropping into the neighbourhood watering hole for beers during a visit to Sydney in 2017 (pictured)

The team was quick to stress the closure was not the result of financial difficulties, insisting the business remained ‘thriving’ right up until the end. 

‘That’s what makes this next chapter so hard – but also makes us incredibly proud of what we’ve built together,’ they continued.

‘For 15 years, you’ve celebrated birthdays, caught up with friends, shared meals, had a few too many drinks, made memories and, most importantly, made The Stoned Crow feel like your local. 

‘And we’ve got one month left to do it all again. 

‘So, come down, bring your friends, enjoy your favourite meals, have a drink and help us make these final weeks some of our best yet.’

The team urged regulars to return for one final meal or drink and help give the neighbourhood institution ‘the send-off it deserves’, with a string of specials planned throughout its final weeks. 

‘Thank you for 15 incredible years. We can’t wait to spend our final month with you.’

News of the closure was met with an outpouring of disappointment from longtime patrons, many of whom shared memories stretching back decades.

The venue has a history stretching back decades, first opening under The Stoned Crow name in 1965 before its current owners took over in 2011

The venue has a history stretching back decades, first opening under The Stoned Crow name in 1965 before its current owners took over in 2011

'We're sad to be closing our doors on Sunday 4th October, but more than anything, we want to celebrate everything The Stoned Crow has been and the memories we've created together

‘We’re sad to be closing our doors on Sunday 4th October, but more than anything, we want to celebrate everything The Stoned Crow has been and the memories we’ve created together

‘This is so sad!! It’s an iconic venue in Crowie! I worked here near 20 years ago now! My parents used to say it was an old dive bar back in the later 70s! Wow so sad,’ one wrote.

‘I can’t believe we’re losing the Stoned Crow and gaining a McDonald’s,’ another said.

‘NO this the best schnitzel I’ve ever had in my life,’ one woman added.

‘Wow, this is a massive shock. All the best SC, you will be missed.’

The Stoned Crow will officially close on October 4, bringing the current owners’ 15-year run to an end. 

What happens to the longstanding Crows Nest site next remains unclear.