We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Melissa Gilbert and Andrew McCarthy have differing memories about a wild night from the 1980s, particularly on whether McCarthy shared a kiss with Liza Minnelli.
In her 2010 memoir, “Prairie Tale,” the “Little House on the Prairie” actress, now 62, recounts an extraordinary evening during that decade. She, Andrew McCarthy, her then-boyfriend Rob Lowe, and Lowe’s agent, Michael Black, were enjoying a meal at Spago’s. During this time, Minnelli unexpectedly joined their table, and shortly after, Michael Jackson appeared, choosing to sit quietly without uttering a word.
As they finished their desserts, the group pondered their next move. Gilbert notes that the conversation came to a halt, which prompted Michael Jackson to break his silence with the only words he spoke that night.
“You can come to my house,” he offered, “I got a llama.”
Ultimately, the party continued at Sammy Davis Jr.’s residence, minus Jackson, who presumably returned home to spend time with his llama.
Eventually, the evening ended at Black’s apartment, “where suddenly Andrew and Liza started making out.”
When Page Six spoke to the “Pretty in Pink” star, 63, at the press day for the off-Broadway revival of “Are You or Have You Ever Been,” we couldn’t resist asking McCarthy about the delicious story.
“I would love to have made out with Liza Minnelli, but we did not,” McCarthy avowed, although he did confirm some of the story’s elements.
The author of “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America” remembered having dinner at Spago’s with Gilbert, Lowe and Black, being seated next to the “Cabaret” star, and going to Davis Jr.’s home for post-prandial drinkies. Oddly, he made no mention of Jackson being at the dinner.
“It was an incredible night,” he gushed. “I should have quit show business then. We did not sing around the piano; mostly, we did a lot of drinking. Sammy was sober, but he was playing bartender.”
So much so that McCarthy was unable to drive home.
“Liza gave me a ride home because I’d drunk too much,” he explained.
“She was super lovely to me,” he added. “They were both generous and kind. I remember Sammy going, ‘I’ve got my eye on you young cat, I like what you’re doing!’ It was great, Rat Pack meets the Brat Pack.”
Minnelli’s publicist declined to comment on whether she played tonsil hockey with the “St. Elmo’s Fire” star.
William, the Prince of Wales, has expressed his “hope” to receive an invitation to the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
The 43-year-old royal playfully hinted at his potential attendance during an appearance on the UK radio show Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden on Friday, May 22, 2026. The hosts, both 55, engaged him in a lively conversation about the anticipated event.
William, Prince of Wales
In a light-hearted moment, William requested the song “Opalite” for his children with Catherine, Princess of Wales. Their kids, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, are known to be avid fans of Taylor Swift’s music.
Amanda Holden cheekily inquired whether the couple, both 36, had yet extended an invitation to Kensington Palace. William, with a touch of humor, responded, “No comment. I’m hoping, and I’m sure there might be an invitation around, but we’ll see.”
A coy heir to the throne replied: “No comment. I’m hoping, and I’m sure there might be an invitation around, but we’ll see.”
In June 2024, William was filmed “dad dancing” in a box at Taylor’s sold-out Eras Tour in Wembley Stadium, London, which he attended with Charlotte and 12-year-old Prince George.
William recalled on Heart Breakfast: “We were watching from up there, which is quite a long way from where the actual action is happening, but the atmosphere was so incredible, you could actually feel the floors shaking when they were all dancing, it was brilliant.”
After the show, the royals met the Shake It Off hitmaker backstage, where William thanked Taylor for a “great evening”.
The foursome posed for a selfie, which was uploaded to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account.
Taylor also posted a snap she took after her show with William, George, and Charlotte – which also featured her then-boyfriend, Travis.
The 14-time Grammy winner captioned the shot: “Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start. (sic)”
Over a year since Taylor’s royal meet and greet, she and Travis got engaged.
The NFL star popped the question in Travis’ home garden – which had a beautiful floral arrangement – almost two weeks after they made their engagement news public on August 26, according to his dad, Ed Kelce.
Taylor and Travis announced their engagement with a joint Instagram post, captioned: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”
Although the couple have kept tight-lipped on their wedding plans, a source told People last September that it will “definitely be a private affair and not a spectacle”.
The spouse of a Maine Democratic Senate hopeful has spoken out following revelations that her husband engaged in sending sexually explicit messages to various women.
On Saturday, it came to light that Graham Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, discovered her husband had sent inappropriate messages to at least a dozen women during a time when the couple was attempting to conceive a child through IVF.
However, Gertner, who has been married to Platner since 2023, labeled these reports as ‘really shameful’ later that evening. This reaction came despite her own disclosure of the information to Genevieve McDonald, who served as Platner’s political director until October, according to a report by The New York Times.
In a video shared on Platner’s campaign page on X, the 41-year-old expressed her desire to address the news articles concerning her marriage to Graham.
“It makes me incredibly angry and disappointed,” Gertner stated, “and I find it really shameful that some media outlets and people choose to spread gossip instead of discussing the real issues Graham is campaigning for, such as healthcare, education, and childcare.”
She went on to insist that she and her husband have a ‘great marriage’ and that they have been struggling with infertility.
‘Graham and I have a great marriage. Being married is hard. Being newly married is hard. Being newly married and going through infertility is hard.
‘Being newly married, going through infertility, and a Senate campaign is hard. I don’t even know if I have the right words to describe what we’ve been going through,’ she added.
Amy Gertner, the wife of Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, hit out at media outlets who reported that her husband sent sexually explicit messages to other women
On Saturday it was revealed that Gertner found out that her husband had sent the inappropriate messages to at least a dozen women while she and him were trying to conceive a child through In vitro fertilization (IVF)
Gertner further revealed that the couple has been getting help from a marriage counselor and each of their personal therapists.
‘And we work on our mental health every day. No marriage is perfect and I don’t want a perfect marriage, I want my marriage, and I want to be married to Graham,’ she added.
Gertner continued: ‘I admire the f*** out of him. So when there are news article about our marriage, it’s just extra sh****. Can I say that online? I hope I can.
‘So I think I’m feeling angry today and I don’t normally make public statements, but it’s really important for me to tell all of your out there, especially people who are voting in Maine, that I think it’s shameful behavior to spend time, and energy and resources on negative ads and negative stories on Graham when all he’s trying to do is improve the lives of people who work for a living.’
Her comments come after news broke that Gertner told his McDonald about the scandal last year.
Gertner considered McDonald a friend and told her the information right before Platner was supposed to join a rally with Sanders over Labor Day weekend as she feared it might become a liability, according to The Wall Street Journal.
In the profile picture from Platner’s Kik account viewed by the Daily Mail, he was wearing only a towel while taking a bare chested photo in the bathroom.
Platner’s face was not featured in the image, but his tattoos were visible and the Democratic candidate’s public profile featured his full name.
In the profile picture from Platner’s Kik account viewed by the Daily Mail, he was wearing only a towel while taking a bare chested photo in the bathroom
However, Platner’s Totenkopf ink, which is widely recognized as a Nazi symbol, was obscured by his hand. He has since covered up the tattoo.
A tragic chain-reaction accident on Interstate 95 in Virginia has resulted in serious charges against a motorcoach driver, authorities report. The driver, accused of failing to decelerate in time for traffic near a construction area, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after a collision that claimed five lives.
In Stafford County, Virginia, the motorcoach operator, identified as 48-year-old Jing S. Dong from Staten Island, New York, faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Virginia State Police revealed that the charges follow a devastating crash involving multiple vehicles, which tragically ended the lives of a family of four heading to a wedding and a woman in a separate car.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning in the southbound lanes of the highway, where investigators say traffic had slowed due to an approaching work zone. Prosecutors have indicated that further charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Virginia State Police said 48-year-old Jing S. Dong of Staten Island, New York, was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter following the crash in Stafford County. Prosecutors said additional charges are likely.
The crash happened before dawn Friday in the southbound lane, where traffic had slowed in an approach to a work zone, according to investigators.
Police said the bus did not slow down and struck a Chevrolet Suburban, triggering a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.
The Suburban was pushed into an Acura SUV carrying a family from Greenfield, Massachusetts. The Acura later caught fire, authorities said.
The four members of the Doncev family who died in the crash were identified as 45-year-old Dimitri, 44-year-old Ecaterina, and the couple’s two children, 13-year-old Emily and 7-year-old Mark.
Police also identified another victim as 25-year-old Priscilla Mafalda of Worcester, Massachusetts, who was inside the Chevrolet Suburban.
Authorities said the Doncev family was traveling to a wedding in South Carolina.
The Stafford County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said Dong was operating the bus in a “criminally negligent manner.” Prosecutors said a magistrate approved holding Dong without bond while he receives treatment for injuries suffered in the crash.
His first court appearance will take place after he is discharged from the hospital, prosecutors said.
The bus was operated by E&P Travel Inc., a North Carolina-based company running an overnight trip from New York City to Charlotte, North Carolina.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the crash. NTSB board member Tom Chapman said investigators believe the bus was traveling at a high rate of speed before impact.
“It seems fairly clear that if there was any braking, it wasn’t much because of the speed and the severity of the collision, but too early yet to know exactly what was happening onboard the vehicle,” Chapman said.
Investigators are also reviewing the driver’s activities in the days leading up to the crash, including possible fatigue, distraction, and other factors, the NTSB said.
Court records reviewed by WUSA9 show Dong was previously scheduled for a Maryland traffic court hearing related to allegations he was driving 22 mph over the speed limit while operating a white coach bus in March.
Authorities said 44 people were injured in Friday’s crash. As of Saturday, four people remained hospitalized, including one person in critical condition.
The NTSB said a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report could take up to two years.
In Pennsylvania, a notable incident has unfolded in the city of Easton, where the mayor has addressed the unexpected departure of a police officer from the local force. This officer resigned to participate in the reality TV sensation, “Love Island USA,” leaving the police department both short-staffed and financially impacted.
The popular series “Love Island USA” has announced its lineup for the eagerly anticipated eighth season, which features “12 new sexy singles” living together in a secluded villa throughout the summer. Among the new cast members is Sean Reifel, who hails from Easton and joined the Bethlehem Police Department just last year.
In a promotional trailer for the show, Reifel introduced himself by saying, “I’m not a model, not an actor; I’m a police officer actually. You could be having the worst day of your life, and I’ll just help you sift through that.”
However, Reifel’s stint with the police force has come to an end as of this month. According to a captain from the department, he no longer holds his position. Easton’s mayor, J. William Reynolds, confirmed Reifel’s resignation and expressed discontent over the situation.
Mayor Reynolds highlighted the city’s investment in Reifel, noting, “Our police department spent a lot of time training and we paid thousands of taxpayer dollars to send him to the police academy. We are disappointed he left as we now have another vacancy in our department that is impossible to fill until next year.”
He added, “I never thought I’d see the day in America where reality show participation wins out over being a police officer.”
Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds swears in former Officer Sean Reifel on Aug. 18, 2025. Reynolds said Reifel resigned to compete on “Love Island USA.” | Bethlehem Police Department
Bethlehem Mayor William Reynolds swears in former Officer Sean Reifel on Aug. 18, 2025. Reynolds said Reifel resigned to compete on “Love Island USA.” | Bethlehem Police Department
Reynolds swore in Reifel as an officer on August 18 last year, according to a post by the police department. The two appeared together, smiling and shaking hands in photos.
A message to Reifel’s Instagram account bounced back with a notice that he doesn’t allow new message requests, and a call to a public relations firm representing ITV America, which produces “Love Island,” went to voicemail.
The show is filmed in real time, so Reifel’s likely in the villa ahead of its June 2 premiere.
Minnesota fraud mastermind to face sentencing for $250 million scheme
During a segment on ‘Outnumbered,’ Emily Compagno and her panel delved into the Minnesota COVID fraud case, focusing on Aimee Bock’s impending sentencing for orchestrating a $250 million scheme. The conversation also brought to light allegations that state officials might have been aware of the fraud but were uncooperative with federal investigations. This has led to demands for accountability from prominent voices like Kayleigh McEnany and JD Vance.
A woman from Pennsylvania is now one of the FBI’s most wanted fugitives, accused of fabricating terminal brain cancer to swindle friends, family, and supporters out of thousands of dollars. Instead of using the donations for her alleged medical needs, authorities claim she used them to fund lavish trips and vacations in Australia.
The FBI announced on May 23 that Vanessa O’Rourke remains at large, having evaded capture since her indictment in 2018 for the alleged fraud scheme.
Investigators assert that O’Rourke, now 37, spent significant time persuading her loved ones that she was suffering from glioblastoma, a severe and often deadly form of brain cancer. She claimed she urgently needed financial assistance for treatment, living costs, and experimental care abroad.
O’Rourke reportedly informed her supporters that conventional treatments had failed her and that an experimental procedure in Australia was her only hope for survival, according to the FBI.
WELLNESS INFLUENCER EXPOSED FOR FAKING CANCER DODGES AUTHORITIES A DECADE LATER: DOCUMENTARY
Investigators say Vanessa O’Rourke falsely claimed she needed experimental treatment in Australia for terminal brain cancer.(FBI)
Friends and family members reportedly rallied around her, donating money and organizing fundraisers to help what they believed was a young woman battling a terminal illness. But authorities say the cancer diagnosis was entirely fabricated.
Investigators allege that between October 2015 and July 2016, O’Rourke used false claims about her health to obtain financial support from people close to her. Prosecutors say supporters provided money directly to O’Rourke and also helped organize fundraising efforts to cover what they believed were mounting medical costs.
In April 2016, O’Rourke traveled to Australia, allegedly telling loved ones she was receiving experimental treatment unavailable in the United States. Instead, according to federal authorities, she spent the trip engaging in sightseeing and recreational activities and received no medical treatment whatsoever.
GOT A TIP?
After returning to the United States, investigators say O’Rourke continued the alleged scam by encouraging friends and family members to organize additional fundraising events on her behalf.
GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL
Authorities say a donation webpage was launched online and a fundraising benefit was held at a Pennsylvania restaurant, where supporters gathered to raise money for what they believed was O’Rourke’s ongoing cancer battle.
SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER
Federal prosecutors allege the money raised during those efforts was later used to fund another trip to Australia in 2016, where O’Rourke again allegedly participated in leisure activities instead of receiving treatment for the illness investigators say never existed.
Federal authorities indicted Vanessa O’Rourke on 15 counts of wire fraud in 2018.(FBI)
The alleged scheme eventually drew the attention of federal investigators.
On May 3, 2018, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania indicted O’Rourke on 15 counts of wire fraud. A federal warrant was issued for her arrest, and she remains wanted by the FBI.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB
O’Rourke’s case is one of several high-profile “fake cancer” scams that have shocked communities in recent years, as fraudsters allegedly exploited sympathy, online fundraising platforms and emotional support networks for financial gain.
Prosecutors allege O’Rourke used false claims of terminal brain cancer to obtain money from friends and supporters.(FBI)
In recent years, several women across the United States and abroad have been accused or convicted of fabricating terminal illnesses while collecting money through fundraisers, crowdfunding pages and community events.
One of the most notorious cases involved California woman Amanda Riley, the subject of the hit “Scamanda” podcast and ABC docuseries, who admitted to faking cancer for years while receiving more than $100,000 in donations from supporters.
Like those cases, prosecutors allege O’Rourke’s scheme relied heavily on the trust and compassion of the people closest to her — friends, relatives and supporters who believed they were helping save someone’s life.
Authorities and fraud experts have warned that emotionally charged medical scams can be especially effective because they often target tight-knit communities eager to rally around someone they believe is fighting for survival.
The FBI is asking anyone with information about O’Rourke’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement.
Stepheny Price is a Writer at Fox News with a focus on West Coast and Midwest news, missing persons, national and international crime stories, homicide cases, and border security.
The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for a new era with Fernando Mendoza, the standout quarterback who was the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mendoza, who clinched the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a national championship, is expected to take charge of the team’s offense in the near future.
The pressing question remains: will Mendoza step into the starting role in Week 1, by Week 8, or will his debut be postponed until next season?
In the interim, veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins serves as a seasoned backup option. The team may rely on Cousins if they decide Mendoza requires more time to hone his skills.
Should Cousins return to his pre-injury form from 2023, he could provide the Raiders with a consistent advantage at the quarterback position throughout the season.
However, Cousins’ recent performance in Atlanta raises concerns, and Mendoza’s inevitable learning curve could present challenges. As a result, the Raiders might face some obstacles at the quarterback position during the 2026 season.
We rank the quarterbacks they face this season and who has the edge:
1. Matthew Stafford, Rams, Week 7
Stafford is coming off an MVP season and is showing no signs of let-up. After agreeing to a new contract extension with the Rams, he figures to be a problem for the rest of the league for at least two more seasons.
It doesn’t hurt that he’s well protected, operates in an offensive system overseen by Sean McVay, throws to one of the NFL’s best wide receivers and a slew of effective tight ends. Oh, and the Rams can run the ball effectively, too.
Edge: Rams
2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs, Week 4 and 18
It will be interesting to see where Mahomes is in Week 4 compared with Week 18. He’s coming off a serious late-season knee injury, which could hamper him earlier in the season.
The Chiefs will be prudent with him early on, but as long as he’s on the field, he remains one of the best quarterbacks in the game. If he’s completely healthy and the Chiefs sew up some weaknesses offensively, it won’t be long before he is at the top of the list of NFL quarterbacks.
Edge: Chiefs
3. Josh Allen, Bills, Week 6
It’s still hard to believe Allen coughed up a career-high four turnovers in the Bills’ loss to the Broncos in the playoffs. The early postseason exit led to the firing of coach Sean McDermott, who was replaced by offensive-minded coach Joe Brady.
The Brady-Allen tandem could be interesting, as Brady likely has some things under his sleeve to help maximize Allen. And you have to figure Allen will be highly motivated to redeem himself after the disastrous end to last season.
Edge: Bills
4. Justin Herbert, Chargers, Weeks 2 and 14
Like Allen, the ultra-talented Herbert is now working under a highly regarded new offensive coach. In Herbert’s case, it’s former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and McDaniel is indicating he has a few ideas on how to make Herbert an even more efficient quarterback.
Herbert has done just about everything in his career other than win a playoff game. It’s almost unfathomable to even think that, given how he’s a top-five talent, but it’s true.
Edge: Chargers
5. Brock Purdy, 49ers, Week 9
Make all the arguments you want about Purdy simply being the product of Kyle Shanahan’s system. But do so at your own peril. Shanahan isn’t a magician, and a handful of other QBs he’s coached never came close to reaching Purdy’s level.
When he’s healthy, he delivers high-end production within the structure of the offense, and the 49ers win games. A ton of them. And they’ve been in the Super Bowl hunt when he’s under center.
Edge: 49ers
6. Sam Darnold, Seahawks, Week 10
At some point, there has to be a movie made about Darnold’s career turnaround, right? Kicked to the curb by two (at the time, clueless) teams and assumed by everyone to be one of the biggest busts ever, Darnold has completely remade himself not only as a solid quarterback but also a Super Bowl champion who many now believe has an even higher ceiling to climb to.
Edge: Seahawks
7. Drake Maye, Patriots, Week 5
After putting up MVP-caliber numbers in the regular season, Maye stalled in the playoffs. Albeit during a Super Bowl run by the Patriots.
We can read a lot or a little into his mediocre performances in the AFC Championship game and Super Bowl, but clearly he has some work to do.
And that’s how it should be for a quarterback with just two seasons of NFL service time.
It will be interesting to see where he goes from here.
Edge: Patriots
8. Bo Nix, Broncos, Weeks 11 and 15
With Davis Webb now taking over the offensive playcalling from Sean Payton — or so it seems — the handcuffs could come off the game plans that seemed to overly protect Nix.
One has to wonder what Payton’s been so afraid of in how he’s carefully handled Nix.
Maybe we’re about to find out.
Edge: Broncos
9. Cam Ward, Titans, Week 16
Ward has all the tools to be successful, but it was hard to get a read on the top pick in the 2025 draft for various reasons involving coaching, a bad supporting cast and the perception it could take a while before he makes the transition to the NFL.
Some projection is needed, so he gets this spot based on potential.
We won’t be surprised if he climbs up the list or falls further down by Week 16, though.
Edge: Push
10. Tyler Shough, Saints, Week 3
Shough played reasonably well during his 11-game rookie stint last year. The key now is to keep improving while also adjusting to the inevitable adjustments the NFL will make in defending him.
The rest of the league now has plenty of film on him, and he needs to brace for that reality.
We’re going to assume Cousins is the Raiders’ quarterback in Week 3, but if it’s Mendoza, it means the Raiders are convinced the rookie is ready to roll. If that is the case, he could be in for a big rookie season.
Edge: Raiders
11. Geno Smith, Jets, Week 8
It’s still shocking to remember how quickly it went badly for Smith in his one season in Las Vegas. Not all of it was his fault, of course. But he was downright bad; there is no getting around that.
The Jets were desperate for a quarterback, so they brought him back to New York. It’s the epitome of a stop-gap situation. The Jets will be back looking for a new quarterback in the 2027 draft.
Edge: Raiders
12. Malik Willis, Dolphins, Week 1
Willis is interesting because his limited playing time the last two years in Green Bay was pretty convincing. He connected on 78.7% of his passes with six touchdowns and zero interceptions.
But then again, he only attempted 89 passes. Talk about a small sample size. Now he takes his talents to South Beach, where he won’t have nearly the help he had with the Packers.
He’s a fascinating player to watch, to be sure.
Edge: Raiders
13. Shedeur Sanders, Browns, Week 12
Listing Sanders here feels like a placeholder. When it comes to the Browns, who really knows who will be lining up under center by this point in the season.
It could be Deshaun Watson, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel or rookie Taylen Green for all we know.
The common theme: Does anyone argue the Browns won’t draft another quarterback, if given a high draft pick next year?
Edge: Raiders
14. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals, Week 17
Another team with another placeholder at quarterback. Take your choice here. Is it Brissett, who’s been giving the Cardinals the cold shoulder this offseason? Or Gardner Webb? Carson Beck, anyone?
In just a matter of weeks, Vivienne and Knox Jolie-Pitt will celebrate a significant milestone as they turn 18.
However, beyond the typical birthday festivities, their milestone on July 12th carries deeper significance — it symbolizes the conclusion of a decade-long legal struggle between their famous parents, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and marks the definitive end of the era of “Brangelina.”
These Hollywood titans have been entangled in legal battles since September 2016, when Jolie initiated divorce proceedings against Pitt after two years of marriage, citing distress caused by the “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” star.
For several years, the two were locked in an exhaustive custody dispute over their six children, including Maddox, 24, Pax, 22, and Zahara, amidst the emotional turmoil.
Meanwhile, Knox was recently spotted in Los Angeles, showcasing a vibrant red hairstyle as he departed from a Muay Thai session, a martial art he has diligently practiced for years, even participating in competitions.
“The children, who are now adults who make their own decisions, were not only affected by what happened on that plane 10 years ago, but what has happened since — [Pitt] continuing to cover up and minimize his own behavior,” the family insider said. “This has had the biggest impact on his relationships with the children. When will people start asking real questions about what happened to the kids?”
As Page Six has previously reported, Pitt was given joint custody of his children back in 2021. However, Jolie’s lawyers successfully argued to disqualify John Ouderkirk, the private judge the couple had hired to oversee the custody fight, over undisclosed business dealings with Pitt’s attorneys.
“A judge actually looked at the facts. He had a 168-page decision that gave them 50/50 custody that was based on testimony from people who lived with them, dealt with them on a regular basis, therapists and all sorts of people, including the kids themselves and what they had said,” said the source in the know.
“It was a fair conclusion, it allowed both parents to be in a situation of raising the kids, which is best for the children,” the source added, but an “atrocious” decision was made of procedural issues. “It had an influence on the kids, because the likelihood of going through that whole thing again was extremely low.”
In 2024, sources alleged to People that Pitt’s lawyers were using the fight over their Château Miraval winery to “punish” her for leaving him. Her attorneys alleged Pitt’s demands — including attempting to force her to turn over a tranche of private emails and the disclosure of past agreements — were abusive tactics designed to drag out the case, drain her resources and hide his own alleged misconduct.
To this, a Pitt insider hit back, telling the outlet, “They are the ones who were greatly enriched from violating the parties’ agreement in selling the business.”
In May, Page Six reported Jolie had a big win when a Los Angeles Superior Court judge decided not to force her to disclose private correspondence tied to the sale of her stake in the French winery.
While Pitt has been dating girlfriend Ines de Ramon since 2022, Jolie has reportedly only had dalliances including with singer The Weeknd.
She reportedly plans to move away from LA now that her kids are grown and has put her sprawling Los Feliz home up for sale for nearly $30 million. “The Eternals” star “never wanted to live in L.A. full-time,” a source previously told People. “She didn’t have a choice because of the custody arrangement with Brad.”
The actress encourages all of her children to embrace their full individuality, a source told People, adding that raising her kids and being a mom “makes her the happiest.”
“She’s the kind of mom who genuinely wants to be present for the important moments in their lives, and the kids love her,” the insider adds. “They often tell her she’s the best mom, and it makes her tear up. Motherhood is very emotional for her. It makes her the happiest.”
Pitt, meanwhile, continues to face the reality of strained relationships with his kids. “No man or woman should have to go through this,” said the source in the know.
Sydney buyers have lost more borrowing capacity this year than they’ve gained from falling home prices.
The government says housing reforms may cause short-term pain but improve access to home ownership.
Sydney and Melbourne property prices are expected to dip this year, yet experts caution that many hopeful homeowners may still find themselves struggling to enter the market.
For years, aspiring buyers have been eagerly awaiting a decline in Australia’s escalating property prices. Now, fresh forecasts indicate that this long-anticipated decrease might be occurring in Sydney and Melbourne.
However, for numerous Australians eager to step onto the property ladder, a drop in housing costs doesn’t necessarily translate to a smoother path toward homeownership.
Recent analysis by Canstar highlights a new challenge: the rate at which borrowing power is diminishing is outpacing the fall in house prices, further complicating affordability for potential buyers.
Analysis released by Canstar this week suggests borrowing power is shrinking faster than house prices are falling, creating a new affordability challenge for would-be buyers.
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The analysis, based on Westpac forecasts and Cotality data, found Sydney’s median house price could fall by almost $30,000 by the end of 2026, while Melbourne’s median house price could decline by a further $18,000.
However, while Sydney’s median house price has already fallen by almost $19,000 in the first four months of the year, a single person earning the average full-time wage has seen their maximum borrowing capacity fall by nearly twice as much as the fall in prices or around $35,800, following recent interest rate hikes.
For couples with average full-time incomes, borrowing power has dropped by just over $71,000.
When falling prices don’t improve affordability
The figures highlight a growing disconnect between house prices and housing affordability.
While lower property values would traditionally be welcomed by aspiring homeowners, rising interest rates and tighter lending conditions were reducing how much buyers can borrow.
Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said slowing price growth alone was unlikely to make housing genuinely affordable.
“Even if house prices fall, they’re probably not going to fall to the extent that makes housing truly affordable,” she said.
Conisbee said borrowing capacity had fallen significantly since the end of last year and could continue to decline if interest rates rise further.
“We do have an affordability problem because not only is it hard to buy in this market, it’s hard to rent,” she said.
“Affordability extends to people not just buying, it also extends to people renting.”
Consumer confidence remains near historic lows, while ongoing uncertainty around inflation and global events is weighing on household budgets and purchasing decisions, she adds.
Buyers finding the goalposts have moved
Buyer’s agent Michelle May tells SBS News that many prospective purchasers are discovering that falling prices do not automatically mean they can afford more.
“We’ve had clients who thought they had a budget of $2.4 million and now the bank is saying, ‘No, we’re giving you $2.2 million instead’,” she said.
May said another client searching for his first property had seen his budget reduced by around 20 per cent since the federal budget.
“There are real changes that are happening on the ground right now,” she said.
Despite forecasts of softer prices, competition remains intense in many parts of Sydney.
“People are still moving fast and trying to secure something because FOMO [fear of missing out] is still very much there,” May said.
“It’s not making it affordable now for people to have a home. That ship has sailed.”
A forecast $30,000 decline in Sydney’s median house price may sound significant, she said, but it is unlikely to fundamentally change affordability in a city where the median house price remains above $1.6 million, she adds.
“With Sydney’s median house price still hovering at $1.6 million, a further $30,000 drop is still closer to a rounding error than a savings,” Canstar’s data insights director, Sally Tindall said.
Government defends housing reforms
The forecasts also come as the federal government faces scrutiny over whether its housing reforms could trigger price declines that leave some recent buyers — particularly new home buyers — vulnerable.
May said buyers who had entered the market with smaller deposits such as those in the five per cent deposit scheme could see their home values fall, which was “a really scary thing’.
At a press conference on Saturday, Housing Minister Chris Bowen was asked whether some participants in that scheme could find themselves in negative equity.
Bowen said the government’s housing policies needed to be viewed as a package rather than in isolation, arguing it was meant to solve what has become a “prohibitively difficult” market for Australians.
Bowen said reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions, alongside support for housing construction and first-home buyers, were designed to improve access to home ownership over the long term.
“There will be short-term fluctuations in the housing market, but you’ve got to set policies for the medium and long term,” he said.
“Most importantly of all, we’ve got to do something about the aspiration of Australians to buy their own home.”
Conisbee said a few fixes – particularly those that mainly targeted demand – were not the antidote. There are other challenges that hurt buyers including Australia’s persistent housing shortage.
While some policymakers have argued reducing investor demand could improve affordability, she warned that lower prices alone would not solve the underlying problem.
A house with a ‘For Sale/Sold’ sign in Sydney. Source: AAP
But, why are Brisbane and Perth prices surging?
While Sydney and Melbourne are forecast to soften, Brisbane and Perth are expected to continue recording price growth through to the end of the year.
According to Canstar, Perth house prices could rise by around $39,000 and Brisbane prices by about $32,000.
Conisbee said strong population growth, housing shortages and infrastructure pressures would outpace price falls, instead pushing prices higher in both markets.
AAP Image/Darren England Source: AAP / Darren England
“Sydney has experienced significant interstate migration losses, while Melbourne has seen a large volume of new housing supply and weaker economic conditions,” she said.
“By contrast, places like south-east Queensland and Perth have seen very high population growth relative to the level of development taking place.”
Conisbee highlighted that Sydney, meanwhile, has also experienced significant interstate migration losses, while Melbourne has seen a large volume of new housing supply and weaker economic conditions.
A tragic incident unfolded in Atlanta as a woman was fatally stabbed aboard a train in broad daylight.
Authorities swiftly responded to a reported stabbing at the Oakland City Station of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) shortly after noon, according to a report by Fox 5.
The alleged attacker, whose identity remains undisclosed, was apprehended by police at the scene and taken into custody.
Despite efforts by emergency medical personnel to save her, the injured woman succumbed to her wounds at the station. Her identity has not yet been released to the public.
According to MARTA police, the violent act was witnessed by several shocked passengers.
‘This appears to be a senseless act of violence, and our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and those who witnessed this horrific incident,’ officials said in a statement.
‘We understand the concern and fear incidents like this can cause for those who ride and work on the MARTA system.
MARTA Police are actively investigating and remain committed to the safety and security of our riders and employees.’
Police responded to reports of a stabbing at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Oakland City Station just after 12pm, according to Fox 5 . (Pictured: A MARTA train)
The suspect, who has not been identified, was snared by cops and arrested at the scene
The Daily Mail has reached out to police for more information.
Passengers who use the Oakland stop in south-west Atlanta said the city’s transport system desperately needs safety upgrades.
‘It’s crazy, just need more security, for real,’ Mantonio Huff, who regularly commutes through the station, told Fox 5.
‘They really need to block it off where homeless people can’t come in because it’s getting bad out here.’
It comes less than a week after another passenger reported being stabbed several times at the Georgia State stop, also in the middle of the day.
The attack brings back haunting memories of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska’s high-profile murder on a train through Charlotte, North Carolina on August 22.
A knifeman, who police have identified as Decarlos Brown, 35, was seen in surveillance footage lunging at Zarutska from behind in the random attack.
In the aftermath of the attack, Brown’s sister shared shocking audio with the Daily Mail of a phone call she had with the alleged killer six days after he was arrested.
During the call, Brown explained that he believed his mind was being controlled by ‘materials’ which had been planted in his brain by the government.
Iryna Zarutska’s heartbroken family said that she had only recently arrived in the US ‘seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning’ before the random slaughter
The knifeman who allegedly killed Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska has spoken for the first time from jail in a harrowing phone call recorded by his sister
Brown, who is schizophrenic, was found incompetent to stand trial at the federal level earlier this month, meaning the case remains on hold.
Zarutska was just 23 when she died. Her heartbroken family said the trial being put on hold brought them ‘more uncertainty to an already painful process.’
Just three months after Zarutska was killed, another passenger was brutally stabbed on the same train line through Charlotte, though police said this attack did not appear to be random.
The male victim, who has not been named, was found near the blue light rail train station with a stab wound just before 5pm on December 5.
He was treated for his injuries in hospital and recovered from the attack, while Oscar Solarzano, 33, was arrested and charged with attempted first degree murder.
This is a breaking news story with updates to follow.
