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Did the Sun Swallow a Super-Earth? New Research Offers Clues

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Scientists say a possible ancient planetary collision may help explain the sun’s unusually low lithium levels and several other puzzling characteristics.

WASHINGTON — The sun may have devoured a planet several times more massive than Earth during its early life, according to research published Thursday. Scientists say traces of that dramatic event could still be embedded deep within the star.

Researchers led by Mutlu Yildiz of Ege University in Turkey concluded that a super-Earth — a type of planet with roughly five to 10 times Earth’s mass — may have plunged into the young sun billions of years ago.

The study, appearing in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, argues that the sun’s ancient ingestion of a planet could offer an explanation for several enduring solar mysteries that existing models have not fully resolved.

Among them are the depth of the sun’s convection zone, minor discrepancies between its measured internal structure and predictions from stellar evolution models, and the exceptionally low amount of lithium found at the sun’s surface.

“Our new study suggests that a planet several times more massive than Earth may have fallen into the young sun and left a lasting chemical imprint deep inside it,” Yildiz said in a statement.

Using stellar evolution software, the researchers modeled a range of scenarios in which the sun engulfed a planet. They found that the scenario most closely matching the sun’s present-day properties involved the consumption of a super-Earth. The result could also help explain why no super-Earth planets orbit close to the sun in our solar system.

Earlier research has suggested that one or more super-Earths may once have formed inside Mercury’s orbit before moving inward and ultimately crashing into the sun. The new study examines whether that potential collision left behind signatures that can still be detected today.

The researchers stressed that their findings rely on computer models and do not provide definitive proof that the sun swallowed a planet. Other possible explanations for the solar anomalies remain. Still, the team believes the predicted chemical and structural evidence could be tested through future observations.

“The next step is to see if these fingerprints can be independently detected,” Yildiz said.

Search Underway After Indonesian Passenger Ship With 240 Aboard Loses Contact in Java Sea

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Indonesian search crews launched an urgent operation Sunday after a passenger ship carrying 240 people lost contact in the Java Sea.

The Virgo Transport 8 was sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin on Borneo when communications with the vessel were cut off, the Associated Press reported, citing Indonesia’s Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office.

Authorities said the ship was last detected about 92 miles from a pier in Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan province.

Indonesian rescuers launched a search after a passenger ship carrying 240 people lost contact in the Java Sea

Authorities are searching for the Virgo Transport 8 after the passenger ship lost contact while traveling from East Java to South Kalimantan. (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)

Search-and-rescue personnel began looking for the vessel after receiving reports of a communications failure during its voyage, according to the AP.

As of Sunday, officials had not reported any injuries or fatalities. The reason the ship lost contact was not immediately known, and authorities had not said whether weather conditions were complicating the search.

Virgo Transport 8 passenger ship loses contact while crossing Indonesia’s Java Sea

The Virgo Transport 8 lost contact while traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin, according to officials. (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)

The Virgo Transport 8 had departed Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, and was crossing the Java Sea toward South Kalimantan when it went silent.

The search for the missing passenger ship remained underway.

Trump Reveals How Don Jr Has Changed Since Marrying Bettina

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President Donald Trump quipped that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has become “a different human being” since marrying earlier this year, joking that the 48-year-old has at last “calmed down.”

Don Jr. married socialite and model Bettina Anderson, 39, in a Palm Beach ceremony in late May, with the couple later traveling to the Bahamas for an extravagant wedding celebration.

Trump did not attend the wedding of his oldest son, pointing to national security duties amid the escalating conflict with Iran.

During a Saturday visit to Ireland, the 80-year-old president told guests at the US ambassador’s Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin, that Don Jr. was also visiting the country.

“Don’s here with a whole group of family. And he just got married, he’s happily married, which is nice,” Trump said while addressing embassy staff and diplomats.

“He’s calmed down so much. That’s a good sign. He’s like a different human being,” Trump added, drawing laughter from those in attendance.

The president also spoke about First Lady Melania Trump’s absence from the Ireland trip.

“My wife is here — my wife is here in spirit,” Trump said, explaining that he had encouraged her to come but she was not keen on taking the seven-hour flight.

Donald Trump has said his son Don Jr has become 'a different human being' since he got married earlier this year. He made the comment during his trip to Ireland, shown above

Donald Trump said Donald Trump Jr. has been “like a different human being” since his marriage earlier this year. The president made the remark while visiting Ireland, pictured above.

Don Jr tied the knot with 39-year-old socialite and model Bettina Anderson at a Palm Beach ceremony late May before heading to the Bahamas for a luxury party

Don Jr. wed 39-year-old socialite and model Bettina Anderson in Palm Beach in late May before the newlyweds continued the festivities with a lavish Bahamas celebration.

Trump then joked that Melania should have simply donned a ‘Make America Great Again’ hat and come along.                          

He previously said he missed Don Jr’s wedding because he had been distracted by the war in Iran. 

‘This is not good timing for me,’ he said at the time. ‘I have a thing called Iran and other things. 

‘That’s one I can’t win on,’ he added. ‘If I do attend, I get killed. If I don’t attend, I get killed by the fake news. Hopefully they’re going to have a great marriage.’ 

Don Jr and his new bride instead celebrated their wedding with his siblings, Eric, 42, and Ivanka, 44, who also came with them to the Bahamas afterwards. 

The couple’s marriage certificate, obtained by the Daily Mail, shows that they officially became husband and wife in a secret ceremony held at the West Palm Beach home of Anderson’s sister, Kristina McPherson.

Anderson said she would be taking the Trump surname.  

Join the discussion

How do you think family dynamics change when public figures miss major life events like weddings?

Don Jr and his new bride instead celebrated their wedding with his siblings, Eric, 42, and Ivanka, 44, who also came with them to the Bahamas afterwards

Don Jr and his new bride instead celebrated their wedding with his siblings, Eric, 42, and Ivanka, 44, who also came with them to the Bahamas afterwards

Don Jr was also among the speakers at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday and Thursday. 

He is typically ranked third in 2028 polls for the Republican presidential nomination.

President Trump arrived at Dublin Airport on Saturday morning, before holding official meetings at Phoenix Park with Irish President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin. 

He also met Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House, before making his address at the US Ambassador’s Deerfield Residence. 

Trump will spend the remainder of the trip at his resort, Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, and attending the closing weekend of the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament. 

He returns to the US on Sunday evening. 

Robert Irwin Looks Just Like Dad Steve in Striking New Photos

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Rarely seen photographs of Steve Irwin from 1989 have emerged, capturing the legendary Crocodile Hunter at a young age — and revealing an unmistakable resemblance to his son, Robert.

The striking images were posted by Rellie May Photography last Friday and show the wildlife conservationist catching a crocodile at Dalbeg in North Queensland when he was 27 years old.

In the black-and-white shots, Irwin — who died in 2006 at the age of 44 — is seen handling the reptile in his familiar khaki shirt and shorts, with a cigarette in hand.

Long before he became a global television star, he cut a more rugged figure, wearing a mullet and covered in dirt as he worked in the mud alongside local residents.

Yet the archival photos also underline the remarkable likeness between Steve and his 22-year-old son Robert.

“Today on the 20 year anniversary of Steve Irwin’s death we decided we would share a few of the scarce photos we have of the time Steve spent catching crocs in Dalbeg North Qld,” the photography account wrote alongside the images.

Throwback photos of Steve Irwin have resurfaced, showing the late great crocodile hunter in 1989 looking the spitting image of his son Robert, 22

He appeared to have a rougher look about him, sporting a mullet and covered in grime as he got down in the muck with some locals. Even so, the photos show just how much his son Robert, 22, resembles him

Archival photographs of Steve Irwin in 1989 have resurfaced, with the late Crocodile Hunter bearing a striking resemblance to his son Robert, 22.

“This is a rather large croc that was called Bogie and was caught near the junction of the Burdekin River and Bogie River,” the caption continued beside an image of Steve posing with the restrained animal.

“On this day people travelled from Ayr to catch a glimpse of the elusive crocodile from the Burdekin River. They were not often seen in those days.

“Special memories of the fun times. A few of the locals are hunting the wild blue yonder with Steve too.”

‘A story or two over the bar at the Dalbeg Inn to be remembered by many. A memorable night when Steve talked down a disagreement between two locals. Best talker ever.’

It comes after Steve’s widow Terri Irwin marked the 20th anniversary of his death last Friday with a heartbreaking message on Instagram.  

‘After 20 years, grief still walks with me like my shadow,’ wrote Terri, 62, who, with her children, Bindi, 28, and Robert, continues to carry out her husband’s legacy at Australia Zoo and wildlife conservation work.

Images shared by Rellie May Photography last Friday show the wildlife conservationist catching a crocodile in Dalbeg North Queensland when he was 27

Images shared by Rellie May Photography last Friday show the wildlife conservationist catching a crocodile in Dalbeg North Queensland when he was 27

‘With the passing of time I have gained more perspective and understanding,’ she added.

Steve’s death on September 4, 2006, was a freak accident caused by an unpredictable encounter with a large stingray.

He had been snorkeling in shallow water at Batt Reef, off the coast of Australia, while filming the documentary Ocean’s Deadliest. 

Steve swam near the stingray, which suddenly reacted and struck him with its barb, piercing his heart.

Despite his crew’s quick response and CPR efforts, the injury proved fatal. Steve was 44.

Terri also reflected on the last time the whole family was together before tragedy struck.

Steve died on September 4, 2006 in a freak accident caused by an unpredictable encounter with a large stingray. He was just 44. Pictured with son Robert

Steve died on September 4, 2006 in a freak accident caused by an unpredictable encounter with a large stingray. He was just 44. Pictured with son Robert 

‘We were together as a family, on our crocodile research expedition, for what was to be our final six weeks together. Ours was to be a long and sweet goodbye,’ she remembered in her post.

‘Steve spent time with Bindi and Robert building swings and climbing trees. We all slowed down. Time slowed down. I believe that all of us, every one of us, gets to say goodbye. We just may not know that we’re saying it. Hold every moment dear with the ones you love. Until we meet again.’

Terri has not remarried and previously shared she doesn’t plan on finding another partner, despite rumours linking her to the likes of Paul Hogan, the late Hulk Hogan and Russell Crowe – rumours she has denied.

‘I have kept track because it’s kind of funny… let’s see, apparently it’s all the Hogans—that’s Paul and Hulk; Russell Crowe, and most recently, it’s Richard Wilkins,’ she told People in 2021.

‘I think the most flattering would be Russell because he is such a good person, and a very good friend to our family, and I actually do really love him because he loved Steve and they were such good friends.’

Terri kept firm on that line, telling Us Weekly in 2024: ‘I totally got my happily ever after. And while there are a lot of wonderful men in the world, can you see another Steve Irwin? I just can’t.’

Steve and his wife developed Australia Zoo and their conservation empire by merging a small reptile park – established by his parents in 1970 – with television fame and Irwin’s energetic personality.

The Crocodile Hunter was a massive global television hit that aired from 1996 to 2004 and turned Steve into a household name.

Since his death, Terri has carried on Steve’s legacy by expanding their wildlife conservation missions, running the Australia Zoo, and steering Wildlife Warriors, their non-profit international conservation organisation, all with the help of Robert and Bindi and Bindi’s husband Chandler Powell.

Heidi Klum Surprises Son Henry With Ferrari for His 21st Birthday

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Heidi Klum marked her son Henry’s 21st birthday on Saturday with an extravagant surprise: a bright red Ferrari F430.

The 53-year-old supermodel shared an Instagram video documenting the reveal and Henry’s stunned response to the lavish present.

Klum stood outside beside the convertible Ferrari, a six-figure vehicle that typically costs about $200,000.

Henry’s stepfather, Tom Kaulitz, brought him outside to see the birthday surprise waiting in the driveway.

“I can’t believe it is that time. You’ve been waiting for so many years,” Klum told Henry in the video.

Clearly taken aback by the reveal, Henry responded: “Oh my God! Jesus Christ. I don’t even know what to say.”

Heidi Klum surprised her son Henry with a flashy, red Ferrari F430 to mark his 21st birthday on Saturday; pictured in April

Heidi Klum surprised her son Henry with a flashy red Ferrari F430 for his 21st birthday on Saturday; pictured in April

The supermodel, 53, shared an Instagram video of the moment she presented the special gift to him and captured his surprised reaction.

Henry walked out of their house and gasped when he saw the convertible on their driveway

The 53-year-old supermodel shared an Instagram video capturing Henry’s amazed reaction as he walked out of their house and gasped at the convertible parked in the driveway.

Kaulitz could also be heard in the video, saying the expensive gift settled a video game wager he and Henry had made years ago.

He explained that he bought the Ferrari at a car show “last year” and had kept it hidden in their garage “the whole time” before Henry’s birthday.

Klum noted how her husband ‘kept his promise’ to Henry. ‘Literally, it’s what? Seven years ago when you guys said that?’ 

Klum then shared a follow-up post and revealed the gift was related to when Henry was a teenager and made a bet with his stepfather Kaulitz. 

‘It’s happening on Christmas, and if I lose Mario Kart, then I can’t play video games for three months, and I have to do a painting of me driving,’ Henry said in the clip. ‘But if I win, then Tom has to give me a Ferrari when I’m 21.’ 

In addition to Henry, the television host is the mother of four children.

Her eldest child is 22-year-old daughter Leni, whose biological father is Flavio Briatore and she is the adopted daughter of Seal.

Klum also shares Johan, 19, and Lou, 16, with her ex-husband Seal.

In the clip, she was standing outside with the car, which costs upwards of six figures and averages around $200K

In the clip, she was standing outside with the car, which costs upwards of six figures and averages around $200K

Kaulitz was also heard in the birthday surprise video, explaining that he held up his end of the bargain after he and Henry made video game bet many years earlier

He said he purchased the Ferrari at a car show 'last year' had been hiding the big purchase in their garage 'the whole time' leading up to Henry's birthday

Kaulitz was also heard in the birthday surprise video, explaining that he held up his end of the bargain after he and Henry made video game bet many years earlier. He said he purchased the Ferrari at a car show ‘last year’ had been hiding the big purchase in their garage ‘the whole time’ leading up to Henry’s birthday

On the same day, Klum also shared an adorable throwback photo of her four children when they were young children. 

In the black-and-white snapshot, her children were wearing birthday hats and smiling at each other during a special moment. 

Klum wrote in her caption alongside the adorable picture of her kids and a slew of red heart emojis: ‘Henry WOW. Time flies. We love you sooooooo much. Happy 21 Birthday.’ 

She also shared Instagram Story posts, including a clip of Henry enjoying his ‘first legal drink.’ 

Henry appeared to be celebrating with his close family over dinner after his birthday surprise. 

Klum also reposted a clip from daughter Leni, who captured Henry blowing out the candles on his birthday cake. 

Klum celebrating her son’s 21st birthday comes shortly after the mother-son duo enjoyed a family getaway in St. Barts in early August. 

She also shared Instagram Story posts, including a clip of Henry enjoying his 'first legal drink'

Henry appeared to be celebrating with his close family over dinner after his birthday surprise

She also shared Instagram Story posts, including a clip of Henry enjoying his ‘first legal drink.’ Henry appeared to be celebrating with his close family over dinner after his birthday surprise

Klum also reposted a clip from daughter Leni, who captured Henry blowing out the candles on his birthday cake

Klum also reposted a clip from daughter Leni, who captured Henry blowing out the candles on his birthday cake

In addition to Henry, the television host is the mother of four children. Her eldest child is 22-year-old daughter Leni, whose biological father is Flavio Briatore and she is the adopted daughter of Seal. Klum also shares Johan, 19, and Lou, 16, with her ex-husband Seal; pictured in April 2011

In addition to Henry, the television host is the mother of four children. Her eldest child is 22-year-old daughter Leni, whose biological father is Flavio Briatore and she is the adopted daughter of Seal. Klum also shares Johan, 19, and Lou, 16, with her ex-husband Seal; pictured in April 2011

Klum celebrating her son's 21st birthday comes shortly after the mother-son duo enjoyed a family getaway in St. Barts in early August. The supermodel and her husband Kaulitz were celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary at the time and were joined by their eldest children, Leni and Henry; seen in May

Klum celebrating her son’s 21st birthday comes shortly after the mother-son duo enjoyed a family getaway in St. Barts in early August. The supermodel and her husband Kaulitz were celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary at the time and were joined by their eldest children, Leni and Henry; seen in May

The supermodel and her husband Kaulitz were celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary at the time and were joined by their eldest children, Leni and Henry. 

She is often joined by her kids, including Henry, on red carpets, and the mother-son duo opened up about their close bond at the American Music Awards in May 2025. 

He praised his parents for being an ‘inspiration’ to him.

‘Anything that I do, [my parents are] always so supportive,’ he told Daily Mail last year as his mom chimed in to share that she is proud of her son as well as ‘all of my kids.’ 

While speaking with People last year, Henry shared how his parents have inspired him to embrace his personal style. 

‘When I was growing up, I was always evolving with my style and just figuring out my own look or just how I feel in different clothing, but that evolved over time. 

‘So they were just telling me like, “Whatever makes you feel good, whatever can make you feel powerful, make you feel like whoever you want to feel,”‘ he recalled. 

Game of Thrones Secrets That Still Rule the Seven Kingdoms

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Game of Thrones made an unforgettable debut on April 17, 2011, delivering a visually striking, instantly compelling introduction to Westeros. But the episode that captivated HBO viewers was not the original $10 million pilot filmed to launch the fantasy drama.

Actor and filmmaker Tom McCarthy played a key role in the early Game of Thrones casting process and directed that initial, unaired pilot. McCarthy had previously worked with Peter Dinklage on The Station Agent and later directed Spotlight, the 2016 Academy Award winner for Best Picture.

Ironically, the first version of the episode was seen as feeling too small in scale. “There were concerns about whether we were getting enough wide shots,” Lombardo told Hibberd. The production lacked the sweeping sense of place the story required, prompting one memorable assessment: “We could have shot this in Burbank.”

Speaking on Craig Mazin and John August‘s Scriptnotes podcast in 2016, Weiss said screening the original pilot for a group of friends was “one of the most painful experiences of my life.”

Benioff recalled that viewers did not appear to understand that the romantically involved Jaime and Cersei Lannister were twins and siblings—“a major, major plot point that we had somehow failed to establish.”

The creators credited then-HBO co-president Richard Plepler with recognizing the potential beyond the troubled footage. Plepler ordered a 10-episode season, including a replacement pilot, and production began again in July 2010.

The revised Game of Thrones pilot ultimately reached HBO under director Tim Van Patten, while McCarthy received a consulting producer credit. After seeing that version at the show’s major premiere, Mazin recalled telling Weiss and Benioff, “That’s the biggest rescue in Hollywood history.”

The Chernobyl writer added, “Because it wasn’t just that they had saved something bad and turned it really good. You had saved a complete piece of shit and turned it into something brilliant. That never happens!”

McCarthy did not offer many specifics about the original production. However, he told ABC News in 2016 that when the team returned to “re-shoot and re-work the pilot,” he was already committed to his 2011 film Win Win and chose not to stay. “And,” he said, “[GOT] was hugely successful without me.”

Ohio Governor Candidate Amy Acton’s Team Reacts to Debate Query

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Staff members working for Amy Acton, Ohio’s former health director and Democratic candidate for governor, clashed with a Republican political activist filming at one of her campaign stops in Harrison, Ohio, last Saturday.

The confrontation began after the cameraman moved toward Acton and asked why she had continued to turn down debate invitations involving her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy. Members of Acton’s campaign team quickly stepped between the two and attempted to prevent him from getting closer.

Video from the encounter shows Acton leaving as the interviewer continues asking questions. The footage has fueled criticism from the Ramaswamy campaign, which has argued that Acton has not adequately explained her decision to avoid a debate as the Ohio governor’s race moves into its final stretch.

“Dr. Amy Acton, why do you refuse to debate your opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy?” the interviewer asked.

“No photos, no videos,” campaign staffers repeatedly said. “I said — no pictures, no interviews.”

During the exchange, staffers appeared to make contact with the cameraman, causing his camera to jolt away from the scene. He responded by asking them to be “careful.”

Acton did not answer the questions as she walked away.

Earlier this month, Ramaswamy agreed to a CNN debate invitation, but Acton’s campaign later told local news outlets that she would not participate.

“Dr. Acton’s focus is on talking with Ohioans, not platforming a scam artist who spreads baseless lies about her and her family, uses AI to falsely paint her as someone with a substance abuse problem, and shames Dr. Acton for being sexually abused as a child while Vivek stands with predators and abusers,” an Acton campaign spokesperson said in a Sept. 2 statement.

The statement pointed to several Republican lines of attack, including criticism of Acton’s role in Ohio’s COVID-19 response, a 2019 verbal domestic dispute in which she was intoxicated, and AI-generated campaign ads that changed her vehicle’s license plate to read “drunk mom.”

It also nods to Ramaswamy’s quiet posture toward releasing the Epstein files at the outset of his gubernatorial campaign.

In his response, Ramaswamy ignored Acton’s needling.

He seized on her decision, calling into question her qualifications to lead the state as its top executive while, at the same time, refusing to press her case on a debate stage.

“It’s too bad for Ohio voters that Acton won’t take voter questions, won’t debate, quit after failing as Ohio’s health director, and has some serious issues now surfaced in multiple police reports,” Ramaswamy said in a post to social media.

Acton’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital about her interaction with the interviewer last Saturday.

Having cleared the Ohio Democratic primary, Acton will face off against Ramaswamy in the state’s general election on Nov. 3.

Art Garfunkel Considers Moving Abroad Amid Trump Presidency, Joining Celebrity Exodus

Musician Art Garfunkel says he is weighing whether to leave the United States, joining a number of high-profile figures who have voiced concerns about President Donald Trump’s administration and policies.

In an interview with The Guardian, the 84-year-old singer said he is troubled by the nation’s direction on several major issues and is considering a move abroad.

“I don’t like America’s position at all,” Garfunkel told the British newspaper. “I’m not aboard, and I’m thinking of leaving the country, frankly.”

The New York-born performer pointed to climate change, global affairs and broader political developments as sources of his unease.

“It’s real that the planet is getting warmer, that the water’s rising, that so many people are starving,” Garfunkel said in the interview, which was originally published Sept. 4.

Garfunkel also took issue with Trump’s decision to launch a military operation that led to the capture of then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro faces numerous federal charges and is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.

“When Donald Trump took over Venezuela, are those the new rules? Just take over a country and run it?” Garfunkel said.

“It’s shocking, and you think, ‘How on earth are we gonna change the presidency?’ But Trump won’t last forever, so we’ve got to hope,” he added.

The singer is the latest U.S. celebrity to publicly consider relocating overseas, or to have already moved, while criticizing Trump’s presidency.

Comedian Rosie O’Donnell relocated to Ireland following Trump’s 2024 election victory. Filmmaker James Cameron, meanwhile, has long been planning a permanent move to New Zealand and has criticized Trump as he neared New Zealand citizenship.

Former daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has said Trump’s election prompted her and wife Portia de Rossi to make their stay in the United Kingdom permanent.

“We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, ‘He got in,’” DeGeneres told broadcaster Richard Bacon, according to the BBC in 2025. “And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.’”

In August, O’Donnell returned to the United States for a weeklong guest-hosting stint on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The 64-year-old comic then turned her attention to her new residency in Ireland.

On the Aug. 17 show, she referred to Trump as “Mango Mussolini.”

“I read that Project 2025 and said, ‘Got to get myself out of here, you know,’ and I decided to go to Ireland, a place where people are driven to drink regardless of who’s running their country,” O’Donnell said.

The celebrity relocations and threats to leave the country have drawn the attention of Democratic strategist Kaivan Shroff.

“Celebrity threats to leave the country are usually pretty easy to roll your eyes at,” Shroff told Fox News Digital. “Most never actually do — Rosie O’Donnell aside. But Garfunkel is 84 years old and has spent more than six decades as one of the most recognizable figures in American music, so this doesn’t exactly read like somebody trying to launch a political brand.”

“What’s interesting is the level of alienation he’s expressing,” he continued. “He’s looking at the country he has lived in his entire life and saying, essentially, ‘I don’t recognize our role in the world anymore.’”

Shroff told Fox News Digital that he believes Garfunkel’s comments about moving abroad are more of a political statement than a commitment to leave the country.

“The line about leaving America is obviously going to get the attention, but I don’t think that’s really what Garfunkel is saying here,” Shroff said. “He sounds genuinely disturbed by where he thinks the country is headed, particularly by the idea that the United States can simply decide the old rules no longer apply. People can disagree with his politics, but that kind of unease is hardly unique to Art Garfunkel.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Garfunkel for additional comment.

Fox News Digital’s Lindsay Kornick contributed to this report.

Florida Woman Accused After Stranger Set on Fire at Gas Station

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A woman fueling her vehicle at a Florida gas station was caught in a fireball after a stranger allegedly used a lighter to ignite the gasoline in what police described as an apparently random attack.

The victim, 41-year-old Christine Sherbuk, was pumping gas into her Volvo SUV at a Mobil station in St. Petersburg on Thursday night when Eleanor Crawford approached her, according to police and a court arrest affidavit.

Crawford, also 41, is accused of setting the fuel on fire at about 8 p.m. The flames engulfed the SUV and left Sherbuk with second-degree burns on her arms and back.

Booking photo of Eleanor Crawford for Florida gas station fire attack

Police said Eleanor Crawford allegedly set gasoline alight as a woman fueled her SUV at a Mobil station in St. Petersburg, leaving the victim with serious burns. (St. Petersburg Police Department)

Sherbuk was taken to the trauma center at Tampa General Hospital in serious condition. Authorities said she was stabilized and is expected to survive.

Scotty Gramling told Fox 13 Tampa Bay that he was parked nearby when the attack occurred. He rushed to Sherbuk’s aid as flames consumed her vehicle.

St. Petersburg Mobil station where woman suffered severe burns

A woman suffered second-degree burns after a stranger allegedly ignited gasoline while she was fueling her SUV at this Mobil gas station in St. Petersburg, police said. (Fox 13 Tampa Bay)

Gramling helped the injured woman into his truck and called 911. He described the scene as a “fireball.”

Shortly before the gas station fire, Gramling said he called the police non-emergency line after spotting Crawford in an apparent altercation across the street. He told the outlet that someone appeared to be trying to pull her out of the road before a fight began.

Police officers were already responding to that disturbance when the alleged attack at the St. Petersburg gas station took place, according to the outlet.

Police caught Crawford a couple of blocks away within about 20 minutes. The arrest affidavit says multiple witnesses saw her ignite the gasoline and that the incident was captured on video.

A St. Petersburg Police Department SUV in St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Petersburg police arrested Eleanor Crawford shortly after a woman was seriously burned in an alleged gas station arson attack. (St. Petersburg Police Department)

Crawford and Sherbuk did not know each other, investigators said. Authorities have not identified a motive.

“I don’t know if alcohol and drugs were involved, but indicative of her history, there might’ve been something that diminished capacity there,” Assistant Police Chief Mike Kovacsev told Fox 13. “Why would she even do something like this?”

Police said Crawford has an extensive record that includes several drug- and alcohol-related charges. Authorities have not said whether she was under the influence at the time of the alleged attack.

“It’s kind of a unique case because you don’t see anything like this, especially something that results in such horrific burns,” Kovacsev said. “But they went out there, they worked with the fire department, and luckily they were able to get her stabilized, and she’s going to make it.”

Police units responds to the scene of an emergency.

Police units respond to the scene of an emergency. (Getty Images)

Crawford has been charged with attempted felony murder and two counts of arson. She is being held on $350,000 bond while awaiting trial.

A judge ordered her to be fitted with a GPS monitor by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office before her release from jail, court records show.

The case remains under investigation.

Milo Yiannopoulos’ Black Husband Says He Felt ‘Enslaved’ in Their Marriage

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