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Fatal Crash in Virginia Claims Five Lives, Including Family of Four En Route to Wedding; Bus Driver Faces Charges


A Massachusetts family of four lost their lives in a tragic accident in Virginia while en route to a wedding, their vehicle filled with homemade desserts for the occasion.

The wedding, set to take place on Sunday in South Carolina, will proceed but will also serve as a time for family and friends to grieve the passing of Dmitri and Ecaterina Doncev, along with their children, Emily and Mark, as revealed by a family member on Saturday.

“We’ve lost a son, a father, an entire family – all of whom were so precious to us,” shared Carolina Bublik.

The fatal accident occurred on Interstate 95 in Stafford County early Friday morning when a motorcoach, traveling through a construction zone, initiated a multi-vehicle crash, according to officials.

The bus collided with a Chevrolet Suburban, which then impacted an Acura carrying the Doncev family, authorities reported. Tragically, Priscilla Mafalda, 25, from Worcester, Massachusetts, who was a passenger in the Suburban, also perished in the incident.

More people were treated for injuries, including one who was in critical condition, though most were discharged, Mary Washington Healthcare said.

The bus driver, Jing S. Dong, 48, of Staten Island, New York, was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, and additional charges were likely, Virginia State Police said. The prosecutor’s office in Stafford County said Dong was arrested and would be in custody while he is treated for his injuries at a hospital.

Prosecutors said in a statement that Dong’s first court appearance will not be scheduled until he is discharged but a magistrate approved holding him without bond until that time. It also said prosecutors saw enough probable cause to believe Dong was “driving in a criminally negligent manner.”

It was unclear whether Dong has an attorney who could speak on his behalf. The case did not yet appear in the state’s online court records, and a call to the area’s public defender went unanswered at a closed office Saturday.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, a monthslong task separate from the work of state police. NTSB board member Tom Chapman revealed few new details but said the bus was moving at a high rate of speed.

“It seems fairly clear that if there was any braking there wasn’t much, because of the speed and severity of the collision,” Chapman said.

The bus, which was taking people from New York to North Carolina, was operated by E&P Travel Inc., based in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.

Chapman said the driver’s language proficiency would be part of the NTSB investigation. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, citing police, said on social media that Dong, a native of China, does not speak English.

Dmitri Doncev, 45, was a nurse who worked at Holyoke Medical Center. Ecaterina Doncev, 44, was a hairstylist who spent days making desserts for the family wedding, Bublik said.

They emigrated to the U.S. from Moldova in 2008 and settled in Greenfield, Massachusetts, she said.

Dmitri and brother Iuri tried to stay together while traveling in separate vehicles to South Carolina.

“At some point they ended up getting separated,” Bublik said. “Dmitri said, ‘You go ahead. I’ll catch up later.’ It was a big shock when Iuri arrived at the house. Dmitri should have arrived around the same time. When his car did not show up, and he wasn’t picking up the phone — that’s when the family started panicking.”

Triumphant Athletes Claim Titles at IHSA Boys’ Track Finals


CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — The season wrapped up on a high note for central Illinois boys’ track and field athletes at the prestigious blue track. The IHSA Boys’ State Finals witnessed standout performances, with several athletes clinching gold medals and three programs securing spots on the team podium.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the top local achievers. For a comprehensive list of results, click here.

CLASS 1A

Team Standings: 2nd Place – Pleasant Plains, 3rd Place – El Paso-Gridley

Team Standings: 2) Pleasant Plains, 3) El Paso-Gridley

4×800-meter Relay: 4) Auburn

4×100-meter Relay: 2) Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin

3200-meter; 3) Elijah Teefey, Pleasant Plains, 4) Weston Hodel, El Paso-Gridley, 5) Keegan O’Brien, Maroa-Forsyth

100-meter: 2) Braden Gibson, El Paso-Gridley, 4) Kamden Flenner, Tuscola

4×200-meter Relay: 2) Tuscola, 4) Pleasant Plains, 5) BHRA

400-meter: 1) Evan Landers-Kristensen, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, 2) Jacob Barth, Auburn, 3) Evan Brown, Tri-Valley

300-meter Hurdles: 4) Eli Hiatt, Effingham St. Anthony, 5) Braylon Heredith, Pleasant Plains

1600-meter: 2) Johnathan Iacobazzi, Sullivan, 5) Elijah Teefey, Pleasant Plains

200-meter: 2) Kamden Flenner, Tuscola, 4) Braden Gibson, El Paso-Gridley

4×400-meter Relay: 1) Auburn, 3) Pleasant Plains

Pole Vault: 1) Riley Hogan, St. Thomas More

High Jump: 2) William Runyan, Georgetown-Ridge Farm

Long Jump: 5) Easton Bolin, Westville

Shot Put: 5) Conner Powell, BHRA

Discus: 2) Maddax Stine, Salt Fork, 3) Harlin Toillion, El Paso-Gridley

CLASS 2A

4×800-meter Relay: 3) Mahomet-Seymour, 5) Eureka

110-meter Hurdles: 5) Maddix Sutherland, Unity

100-meter: 1) D’Mario Jackson, Danville

400-meter: 1) D’Mario Jackson, Danville

1600-meter: 2) Liam Bettis, Taylorville

200-meter: 1) D’Mario Jackson, Danville

High Jump: 1) Dawson Rogers, Paris, 3) Darren Henry, Jacksonville

Long Jump: Tristan Stanton, Rochester, 5) Khordell Gregroy, Rochester

Triple Jump: 2) Kamri Sales, Southeast

Discus: 5) Dylan Durocher, Rochester

CLASS 3A

Team Standings: 3) Glenwood

4×100-meter Relay: 3) Glenwood

110-meter Hurdles: 5) William Hardy, Central

4×200-meter Relay: 3) Glenwood, 5) Centennial

300-meter Hurdles: 5) William Hardy, Central

4×400-meter Relay: 3) Centennial

High Jump: 2) McKenzie Doe III, Glenwood, 3) Larry Wills, Glenwood

Long Jump: 2) Larry Wills, Glenwood

Discus: 4) Trey Sutton, Springfield

Australian Flotilla Activists Take Legal Action Against Israeli Custody Abuse at ICC

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IN BRIEF

  • Survivor testimony and medical evidence have been submitted to the ICC by Gaza aid flotilla participants.
  • Israel rejects mistreatment claims, saying detainees were treated with ‘great sensitivity’.

Australian nationals who took part in a humanitarian flotilla en route to Gaza have now joined forces in filing a formal complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC). They assert that during their detention by Israeli forces, they experienced torture, sexual violence, and other forms of mistreatment.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has issued a statement confirming that their submission to The Hague is bolstered by firsthand survivor accounts, medical evaluations, and sworn legal documents. These materials were compiled after the flotilla members were intercepted and detained during their missions earlier in the year.

The submission claims that the actions of intercepting and detaining the flotilla constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and breaches of international law, all of which allegedly occurred during the flotilla’s Spring 2026 missions.

Despite these serious allegations, none have yet been examined in a court of law. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have dismissed claims of any misconduct towards the flotilla participants during their detention.

Organizers of the flotilla contend that the wealth of medical evidence, eyewitness reports, and legal affidavits presented to the ICC robustly challenge the Israeli narrative of the events. The case now awaits further examination by international legal bodies.

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Australian lawyer Bernadette Zaydan is among those involved in presenting evidence to the court.

Zaydan said the submission was seeking accountability.

“The Israeli Ambassador looked Australian families in the eye and said our people were treated with ‘great sensitivity’,” flotilla organiser Subhi Awad said in a statement.

“Our people were beaten. Our people were tortured. Our people suffered sexual violence.”

Awad said Australians deserved answers about the treatment of participants in Israeli custody.

“Who do Australians believe, Israeli officials, or Australian survivors? Who do Australians believe, the perpetrators, or the evidence?” he said in the statement.

The group also alleged that one Australian humanitarian worker was injected with an unidentified substance while in Israeli custody.

“Neither the survivor nor the Australian public has been told what the substance was, why it was administered, or what the potential health consequences may be,” Awad said in the statement.

The submission comes as organisers point to the inclusion of the Israeli Prison Service on a United Nations list relating to conflict-related sexual violence.

Australian flotilla participant Juliet Lamont criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for declining requests to meet with those detained following their return.

“Australian survivors have travelled halfway around the world seeking justice through international legal processes. Yet the prime minister will not even meet with them,” Ms Lamont said.

“If Australian survivors can be heard in The Hague but not in Canberra, something has gone badly wrong.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla is calling for independent international investigations into the allegations and accountability for those responsible.

Australians involved in the mission include Neve O’Connor, Juliet Lamont, Zack Schofield, Surya McEwen, Sam Woripa Watson, Anny Mokotow, Bianca Pullman Webb, Ethan Floyd, Violet Coco, Gemma O’Toole and Helen O’Sullivan.

Israel’s prison service has denied allegations that flotilla participants were abused while in custody.


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Rihanna Partners with Elon Musk’s Transgender Daughter Vivian for Groundbreaking Campaign

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In a bold move for her latest Savage x Fenty campaign, Rihanna has tapped Vivian Wilson, the transgender daughter of Elon Musk, to be the face of the brand’s new Pride-themed collection. Vivian, who is 22 years old and has publicly distanced herself from her well-known father, is making waves in the modeling world with her latest endeavor.

In the campaign, Vivian exudes confidence and poise, showcasing the collection in a sleek black bra and matching panties. The garments are adorned with messages celebrating queer pride, highlighting the campaign’s inclusive message. Her striking appearance is enhanced by her strawberry-blonde hair, which complements the dramatic beads draped across the ensemble, adding an artistic flair to the look.

This collaboration marks the second time Vivian has worked with Rihanna, following a successful Valentine’s campaign earlier this year. With each new project, Vivian continues to establish herself as a prominent figure in the modeling industry, making her mark with her unique style and strong sense of self.

The strawberry-blonde beauty styled the look with draped strands of beads, including detailing across the bra for a dramatic finish.

She completed the outfit with open-toe stilettos adorned with beaded accents, as Rihanna’s brand captioned the carousel by tagging Vivian and writing: ‘@vivllainous is exactly who she said she is’.

The campaign comes just months after Rihanna previously collaborated with Vivian on a Valentine’s campaign.

Rihanna has enlisted Elon Musk ’s transgender daughter Vivian Wilson to model in the latest Savage x Fenty campaign

Rihanna has enlisted Elon Musk ’s transgender daughter Vivian Wilson to model in the latest Savage x Fenty campaign

The 22-year-old, who is estranged from the Tesla founder, appears in the brand’s new Pride-themed collection

The 22-year-old, who is estranged from the Tesla founder, appears in the brand’s new Pride-themed collection

At the time, the Diamonds songstress – who launched Savage x Fenty back in 2018 – opened up about the collection in a statement, per WWD. 

‘Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love in all its forms,’ the mother-of-three expressed. 

‘At Savage x Fenty, we’re all about embracing love in every way and creating products that let people feel confident while doing so.’ 

Wilson first made waves last March when she graced the cover of Teen Vogue – and just two months later, she officially launched her modeling career with a collaboration for the edgy brand Wildfang.

That same month, she also slipped into pieces for the inclusive underwear brand Tomboyx.

‘I was terrified,’ Wilson admitted of the shoot in an interview with Vanity Fair. ‘Before this, I was very much the person who, like, didn’t show any skin, ever, at all. Even in my day-to-day, like going to the beach with friends, I would, like, not wear a swimsuit.’

The star continued, ‘So it was very, very nerve-racking, but I wanted to do [the shoot] because I wanted to have more confidence in my own body. I do feel confident in my own body, but I wanted to, like, prove that confidence to myself, if that makes any sense.’

By September, Wilson was strutting her stuff on the runway during New York Fashion Week, making her catwalk debut for CHRISHABANA’s Spring 2026 show.

Posing in a slinky black bra and matching panties emblazoned with pro-queer messaging, the model looked every inch the professional as she struck a series of confident poses

Posing in a slinky black bra and matching panties emblazoned with pro-queer messaging, the model looked every inch the professional as she struck a series of confident poses

Rihanna’s brand captioned the carousel by tagging Vivian and writing: ‘@vivllainous is exactly who she said she is’

Rihanna’s brand captioned the carousel by tagging Vivian and writing: ‘@vivllainous is exactly who she said she is’

The campaign comes just months after Rihanna previously collaborated with Vivian on a Valentine’s campaign

The campaign comes just months after Rihanna previously collaborated with Vivian on a Valentine’s campaign 

Opening up about fame to The Cut, she admitted, ‘I’m not very good at being famous. It’s a skill. I fought so hard for so long to be viewed as a regular person. There was a moment literally right before I became famous where no one knew who I was. 

‘It was amazing. Everyone treated me as a regular person. I kind of miss that. But I also like being famous.’

As the eldest daughter of Elon Musk and his ex-wife Justine, Wilson came out as trans at 16 – and two years later legally dropped Musk from her surname amid their estrangement.

She has been candid about her relationship with the tech mogul, telling Teen Vogue: ‘I don’t give a f*** about him. I really don’t. It’s annoying that people associate me with him. I just don’t have any room to care anymore.’

Revolutionary 8-Minute Bed Routine Boosts Leg Muscle Recovery for Seniors, Outperforming Traditional Weight Training

Imagine boosting your leg strength without even leaving your bed. That’s exactly what this quick and effective routine offers.

While many associate strong legs with athletes and marathon runners, maintaining leg strength is vital for everyone. It plays a key role in keeping you mobile, balanced, and healthy throughout your life. Additionally, a strong lower body supports cardiovascular health.

Building robust leg muscles can help you stay youthful and self-sufficient. To help you achieve this, we’ve developed an eight-minute bed workout designed to rejuvenate your leg strength more effectively than traditional weight training, especially for those over 55.

“These exercises target the primary muscle groups in the lower limbs, including the posterior chain, anterior chain, and lateral stabilizers. They are gentle on the joints and require no equipment. Additionally, performing them on a bed adds an element of instability, engaging more stabilizing muscles,” explains Rebecca Bossick, Co-Founder and Director at One Body LDN. Bossick, a Chartered Physiotherapist with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, is a highly respected expert in London’s private physiotherapy scene.

“[The exercises below] cover the major lower limb muscle groups, including the posterior chain, anterior chain, and lateral stabilizers. They don’t put stress on the joints and have no need for equipment. The bed is also a plus here as it offers a rather unstable base that requires you to use more stabilising muscles,” explains Rebecca Bossick, Co-Founder and Director at One Body LDN. Bossick is a Chartered Physiotherapist who received a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and has become one of London’s most respected figures in the private physiotherapy sector.

Below, Bossick breaks down the speedy bed routine to add to your day.

Glute Bridges

“Glute bridges target the largest and most powerful muscle group in the lower body, the glutes, and they tend to further weaken due to prolonged sitting and inactivity,” Bossick tells us.

  1. Begin by lying flat on your back with bent knees and feet hip-width apart on the mattress, arms at your sides with palms pressing into the surface.
  2. Press through your heels to lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
  3. Squeeze your buttocks, holding at the top for 2 seconds.
  4. Lower your hips back to the start position.
  5. Perform 3 sets of 10 reps.

Straight-Leg Raises

“This exercise targets the quadriceps, which are the muscles at the front of your thighs, and the hip flexors,” Bossick says.

  1. Start by lying flat on your back with your arms extended overhead.
  2. Keep one leg extended on the mattress and the other bent.
  3. Activate your core as you lift the extended leg off the mattress, keeping your lower back pressed into the surface.
  4. Hold for 3 seconds at the top.
  5. Use control to lower your leg.
  6. Repeat on the other side.
  7. Perform 2 sets of 10 reps on each leg.

Hip Abductions

“Hip abductions, of course, target the hip abductors as well as the muscles along the outer thigh, which are important for stability—especially in the later stages of life,” Bossick points out.

  1. Lie flat on your back with both legs extended.
  2. Then, gradually move one leg out to the side as far as you’re able to before bringing it back in.
  3. Make sure your foot stays pointed upward so the movement stays focused on the hip muscles.
  4. Perform 2 sets of 12 reps on each leg.

Sit-to-Stand

“Sit-to-stand from the edge of the bed is another great one, as it directly reflects how we move throughout the day. It involves training several muscles such as the quadriceps, gluteal muscles, and calf muscles, among others. The exercise also focuses on improving neuromuscular coordination in performing daily activities independently,” Bossick says.

  1. Begin seated at the edge of the mattress with your feet placed on the floor under your knees.
  2. Lean forward slightly.
  3. Try to stand up without using your knees, hands, or additional support.
  4. Use control to slowly sit back down.

Jacksonville Westside Triple Stabbing: Suspect Arrested in Fatal Crime Investigation

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Austin Fisher, aged 30, has been detained concerning a tragic incident on Exodus Way that resulted in the deaths of two men and a woman due to a stabbing.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office disclosed on Friday that a 30-year-old individual has been apprehended in relation to a fatal triple stabbing that occurred in Jacksonville.

On Thursday, Austin Fisher was arrested after a prolonged standoff involving SWAT and the JSO’s Community Problem Response Unit. He is now facing charges of three counts of second-degree murder, alongside an armed robbery charge tied to the incident, as indicated by jail documentation.

Authorities revealed that Fisher was discovered hiding in a motel situated in the Normandy Village area.

At approximately 3 a.m. on Thursday, a resident on Exodus Way contacted 911, reporting that a man was persistently knocking at his front door.

What happened?

Around 3 a.m. on Thursday, JSO said a neighbor on Exodus Way called 911 saying a man was knocking on his front door.

When officers arrived, JSO said they found 49-year-old Edwin Barber on the front porch of a home with a stab wound to his chest.

Officers learned that Barber had been stabbed at his home down the street and ran to his neighbor’s house for help.

Once officers went to Barber’s house, JSO said they found a woman, identified as 27-year-old Savannah Barber, inside a bedroom with multiple stab wounds.

While continuing to canvass the neighborhood, JSO said officers found another man, identified as 37-year-old Shad Cole, with multiple stab wounds on the porch of another home.

Cole and Savannah Barber reportedly died before they could receive medical attention, according to JSO, while Edwin Barber died at a local hospital.

Unveiling the Underground: Mysterious Group Emerges from Brooklyn Manhole

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In a startling scene that left passersby in disbelief, a group of men unexpectedly emerged from a manhole on a bustling New York street, prompting a police investigation. The unusual event unfolded on Brooklyn’s McDonald Avenue in the Gravesend neighborhood, catching the attention of local residents.

Witnesses observed seven individuals climbing out of the city’s sewer system, an incident that was captured on video around 2 a.m. on Friday. The dramatic footage quickly garnered attention after being published by the local news outlet, Flatbush Scoop.

Once above ground, the men began shedding their grimy attire and congregating near parked vehicles nearby. The sight was made even more curious by some of the group members carrying what appeared to be equipment and flashlights. Additionally, several were spotted in boots and protective gear, adding to the intrigue of the situation.

The men began stripping off their filthy clothes after they got out of the hole and then gathered near waiting cars.

Some appeared to be carrying equipment and flashlights, while others seemed to be wearing boots and protective gear. 

Video circulating online appeared to show a person remaining near the manhole while the cover stayed closed, seemingly acting as a lookout. 

The bizarre sight prompted the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to visit the scene several hours later. 

They said investigators have been unable to determine how long the group spent inside the sewer network or why they entered it in the first place.

Around seven people were captured on surveillance video emerging from a manhole in Brooklyn's Gravesend neighborhood shortly after 2am on Friday

Around seven people were captured on surveillance video emerging from a manhole in Brooklyn’s Gravesend neighborhood shortly after 2am on Friday

After emerging one by one from the manhole. Surveillance footage appeared to show the men removing soiled clothing on the sidewalk

After emerging one by one from the manhole. Surveillance footage appeared to show the men removing soiled clothing on the sidewalk

Footage from the investigation showed an NYPD officer wearing a respirator mask and stained protective coveralls being assisted out of the manhole after apparently searching sections of the sewer below.

Additional reports suggest the men may have been underground for close to two hours before resurfacing. 

The incident appears to be one of several similar instances across the borough, with witnesses reporting another group descending into a manhole in Williamsburg at Bedford Avenue and Lynch Street.

Portions of the area around McDonald Avenue between Kings Highway and Avenue S were shut down while officials worked to determine whether there were any hazards underground.

Crews from the city’s Department of Environmental Protection also arrived at the location to conduct their own inspection of the infrastructure below the street.

A spokesperson for the department said workers were ‘inspecting the sewer infrastructure at this location to ensure there is no damage to the system.’

The agency also issued a stark warning about the dangers associated with entering the city’s sewer network.

‘Entering the sewer system is both illegal and extremely dangerous,’ the spokesperson said in a statement.

The strange incident prompted a large NYPD investigation at the scene later on Friday

The strange incident prompted a large NYPD investigation at the scene later on Friday

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection later inspected the sewer infrastructure to check for any damage

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection later inspected the sewer infrastructure to check for any damage

The NYPD's 62nd Precinct said the area was ultimately found to be 'safe and free of hazards' with no arrests had made as of Friday evening

The NYPD’s 62nd Precinct said the area was ultimately found to be ‘safe and free of hazards’ with no arrests had made as of Friday evening

‘Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces.’

Despite the dramatic scene and hours of investigation, police said no arrests had been made as of Friday evening.

The NYPD’s 62nd Precinct later attempted to reassure residents, posting on social media that the location had been examined and was considered safe.

According to the department, the area was found to be ‘safe and free of hazards.’

In 2024, members of a Crown Heights synagogue were found to have dug illegal tunnels to link a building next door

In 2024, members of a Crown Heights synagogue were found to have dug illegal tunnels to link a building next door

A man is seen emerging from the tunnels beneath the synagogue in 2024

A man is seen emerging from the tunnels beneath the synagogue in 2024

Hasidic Jewish students watch on as police guard a breached wall in the synagogue on January 8

Hasidic Jewish students watch on as police guard a breached wall in the synagogue on January 8

Both incidents occurred in predominantly Jewish neighborhoods of Brooklyn. 

In 2024, illegally-dug tunnels were discovered being used by young Orthodox Jewish men in an attempt to link a synagogue to a nearby ritual bath at the Chabad Lubavitch global headquarters in Crown Heights.

Members of the Hasidic Jewish community were arrested and charged over a 60ft secret tunnel.

The leaders of the synagogue only discovered the tunnel after neighbors complained of hearing people speaking Yiddish under their floors.

Trump Criticizes Pope Leo’s Meeting with Chicago Mayor, Calls It ‘Unproductive

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Former President Donald Trump took aim at Pope Leo XIV and Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson during their recent meeting in Rome, labeling Johnson “useless” and suggesting the Vatican should have avoided the encounter.

“Someone should explain to the Pope that the Mayor of Chicago is useless, and that Iran cannot have a Nuclear Weapon!” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform.

Trump’s post included screenshots from Johnson’s social media, depicting the mayor’s visit with the pope. The images from the Vatican show Johnson gifting Pope Leo a miniature Chicago flag and the two of them smiling with a Chicago Cubs hat, an ironic gesture since the pope is a known White Sox supporter. Notably, Pope Leo XIV is the first American pope and has roots in Chicago.

This interaction seems to have rekindled Trump’s ongoing feud with Pope Leo. Trump has previously criticized the pope for his stance on the Iran conflict and accused him of being “weak” on crime, particularly suggesting that the pope is indifferent to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump’s comments appear to have reignited his publicized feud with the pope. The president previously slammed Leo over his criticism of the Iran war and for being “weak” on crime, insisting the pope was okay with Iran having a nuclear weapon.

“I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela,” he wrote, adding, “I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected.”

Trump has also accused Leo of “endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people,” by allegedly condoning Iran’s development of nuclear weaponry.

The pope has previously responded to the president’s critiques, saying he is “not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.”

Andy Dick Makes Rare Public Comeback: Signs Autographs Months After Overcoming Near-Fatal Overdose


Several months following a life-threatening overdose, Andy Dick was seen joyfully signing autographs for admirers in Los Angeles.

On Friday, the comedian was spotted at a booth during the Hollywood Show convention, engaging with fans and jotting down autographs for them.

The 60-year-old former “Newsradio” star chose a pinstriped jacket layered over a black T-shirt for the event.

Although representatives for the “Andy Dick Show” personality were unavailable to comment over the weekend when approached by Page Six, fans seemed delighted by his presence.

This public appearance marks over five months since Dick was discovered unconscious due to a suspected overdose in Los Angeles.

A pair of friends, Adam Carbone and Alexander Bailey, were filming with Dick in Hollywood on Dec. 9 when the comedian broke off and smoked crack cocaine with a random man on the street.

Footage obtained by TMZ at the time showed the “Road Trip” star slumped over on concrete steps, as bystanders attempted to revive him and to call for help.

The “Employee of the Month” star — who has a significant history of drug and alcohol issues — was revived after receiving four shots of Narcan, a drug that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses.

Following the terrifying incident, Dick told Page Six in January that he “legit died.”

“This is not funny, and I don’t remember this, but they say I came back to life, sat up, and the first thing outta my mouth was, ‘Where’s the vodka?’”

He went on, “I don’t remember. I was still out of it … just coming back from death and Narcan’d up. I was out of my mind.”

Dick ultimately checked himself into a rehab facility in Palm Springs, and less than two months later, checked himself out.

“[I’ve been to rehab] many, many, many, many, many times,” he told us in a phone interview after exiting rehab.

“This one feels different, I think, mostly because I actually legit died, and I can’t believe I came back to life,” 

In March, he revisited the near-death incident during a podcast interview, joking, “There were no bright lights. I wish [there were], I’d go back.”

“They did a CAT scan thing, or whatever they call it in your brain, and I have all these – there’s about five to seven holes,” he told Howie Mandel during an episode of “Howie Mandel Does Stuff.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these brain lesions can occur as a result of a number of conditions, including stress and traumatic brain injuries.

However, Dick’s rep told us that the apparent “holes” are from a previous incident.

“The issue with his brain is from the 2019 attack that almost killed Andy when an unprovoked attacker cold-cocked Andy while he was outside of the club he and Paris Dylan had just performed,” the rep explained in a statement, noting that they “are assured that his brain will heal.”

He also said that while the troubled comedian “has been battling his addictions for years,” he is “healthy, sober and doing great.”

Urgent Manhunt: $10K Reward for Suspect in Deadly Virginia Deputy Ambush

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A large-scale, coordinated search effort is taking place in Virginia for a suspect considered “armed and extremely dangerous,” who is said to have ambushed two deputies during a welfare check on Friday night. This attack resulted in the death of a military veteran and left another officer injured.

Logan Utt, a 31-year-old deputy from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, tragically lost his life in the incident, as confirmed by Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp.

The U.S. Marshals Service has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, Michael Puckett.

Suspect Michael Puckett

Michael Puckett stands accused of shooting two deputies in Virginia, resulting in the death of one. (Image courtesy: Carroll County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)

THE FAMILY OF THE FALLEN VIRGINIA POLICE OFFICER REMEMBERS THE EXPECTANT FATHER, 25, WHO ‘NEVER HESITATED’ TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED

The deadly encounter unfolded just before 9:30 p.m. local time, when the two Carroll County deputies were dispatched to a home after a family member requested a welfare check. 

When the deputies met with Puckett, he allegedly opened fire, killing Utt and wounding the second officer — whose life was saved by his ballistic vest, according to authorities. 

The deputies returned fire, but Puckett fled the scene and remains at large.

Virginia State Police patrol car

Virginia State Police are searching for Michael Puckett, who is wanted for allegedly shooting two deputies, killing one, in Carroll County, Va. (Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images, File)

SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY GUNS DOWN DEPUTY IN AMBUSH DURING ROUTINE CALL THAT ROCKED QUIET TOWN, POLICE SAY

The sheriff’s office warned the public not to approach him and call 911 immediately if he is spotted. 

Utt joined the force in 2023 after serving the nation as a military veteran.

“Becoming a deputy sheriff was a lifelong dream, and he worked every day to make Carroll County a safer place,” Kemp wrote in a statement Saturday. “Today, Carroll County has lost a hero, and a family has suffered an unimaginable loss.”

Virginia State Police badge

The Virginia State Police is leading the investigation. (Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images, File)

TWO VIRGINIA BEACH POLICE OFFICERS SHOT DEAD WHILE ‘DEFENSELESS’ DURING LATE-NIGHT TRAFFIC STOP

Utt leaves behind a wife and children. The wounded deputy is recovering in stable condition.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger confirmed her office is closely monitoring the situation, urging anyone with information on Puckett’s whereabouts to come forward.

“Deputy Logan Utt’s sacrifice is a testament to his bravery and dedication to his community,” Spanberger wrote in a statement on X. “Adam and I are praying for Deputy Utt’s family, the injured officer during his recovery, and for the safety of all of our courageous men and women in law enforcement.”

Virginia State Police is leading the investigation.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.