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Local Police Chief Dismissed Amid Scandal Over Unreasonable Demands: Community Reacts

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Local Police Chief Dismissed Amid Scandal Over Unreasonable Demands: Community Reacts

A police chief has been dismissed after she impersonated an immigration officer to carry out “wellness checks” on schoolchildren in Cincinnati.

Tonina Lamanna, aged 48, along with officer Jeffrey Baylor, 42, ventured approximately an hour away from their home base in Gratis, near Dayton, Ohio. The pair traveled to Cincinnati, where Lamanna sought to question children regarding their immigration status, recent reports have revealed.

The two officers visited three schools, with Lamanna falsely claiming she was authorized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to perform “wellness checks,” allowing her to access student enrollment records. Surveillance footage captured their activities as they made inquiries.

ICE has distanced itself from Lamanna’s actions, stating to the Daily Mail that the agency “does not target schools for enforcement actions.”

According to an ICE spokesperson, “A local law enforcement agency attempted to verify school enrollments and conduct welfare checks on children who crossed the border unaccompanied.”

‘To be crystal clear, this was not an ICE officer or an enforcement action.’ 

Superintendent Shauna Murphy said Lamanna and Baylor were not allowed to see any of the children they were performing ‘wellness checks’ on during the April 15 visits, Fox 19 reported.

Both Lamanna and Baylor were placed on administrative leave after other law enforcement agencies reported their actions. 

Gratis Police chief Tonina Lamanna, 48, has been fired after she conducted 'wellness checks' at three Cincinnati schools claiming to work for ICE

Gratis Police chief Tonina Lamanna, 48, has been fired after she conducted ‘wellness checks’ at three Cincinnati schools claiming to work for ICE

Lamanna and officer Jeffrey Baylor, 42, are captured on surveillance footage at one of the schools

Lamanna at a Cincinnati school

Lamanna and officer Jeffrey Baylor, 42, are captured on surveillance footage at one of the schools

‘I did not insinuate that I have a federal license or that I am there on behalf of any federal agency,’ Baylor told local outlet WLWT. ‘She handled all the talking.’ 

He has since resigned from the force over the controversy. 

The Gratis Police Department has suspended its partnership with ICE since this.

On Thursday, Gratis Village Council voted 4-2 to fire Lamanna. Interim police chief Matt Jones will continue to lead the force, which is now down to five active officers, until village officials pick a new chief, WHIO reported. 

The council cited Lamanna’s ‘poor judgment, failure of leadership, and mismanagement of departmental responsibilities’ as reasons for terminating her. 

Many social media users criticized her for posing an immigration officer, with one calling it ‘sick.’ 

‘That’s some bs!’ another wrote. 

‘Bravo to Cincinnati Public Schools for protecting their students!!’ a third wrote. 

Lamanna, who previously worked as a police officer in Dayton, sued the City of Dayton for defamation and retaliation in 2022

Lamanna, who previously worked as a police officer in Dayton, sued the City of Dayton for defamation and retaliation in 2022

Baylor, who was placed on administrative leave with Lamanna, has since resigned

Baylor, who was placed on administrative leave with Lamanna, has since resigned 

Lamanna was recently honored at an Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy graduation ceremony in Columbus in January for completing the law enforcement executive course. 

In 2022, Lamanna, who worked as a police officer in Dayton at the time, sued the City of Dayton for defamation and retaliation. 

She said she was put on the city’s Brady’s List, a database of names of officers accused of misconduct, without being notified. 

Lamanna was fired for allegedly lying about accessing personal files. Her case was dismissed. 

At an April 2024 council meeting in Gratis, former police chief George Schlub heaped praise on Lamanna as he announced she would become his assistant chief.

According to The Register-Herald, he said: ‘Sergeant Lamanna has been in police work since 1998. She comes to Gratis with many years of experience, training and expertise, latest as a school resource officer. 

‘She currently has started a canine program right here in the village of Gratis. She has written several grants to fund the police department with equipment. 

‘We’ve actually gotten one of those I’ve been told so far. She’s in charge of training and she is she runs interference for me.’

The council cited Lamanna's 'poor judgment, failure of leadership, and mismanagement of departmental responsibilities' as reasons for terminating her

The council cited Lamanna’s ‘poor judgment, failure of leadership, and mismanagement of departmental responsibilities’ as reasons for terminating her 

He added: ‘She currently runs her own business as a dog groomer, teaches at Butler Tech, teaches Middle East dance to youth, volunteers for local fire department working an arson dog. And on top of that she works here.’

Interim Chief Jones told the Daily Mail: ‘The GPD views recent events as opportunity. We’re examining every aspect of the department and demanding improvements, starting with complete transparency with Village Administration. 

‘It’s regrettable that the GPD has brought undeserved negative attention to Gratis. We appreciate everyone’s grace as we work through this transition.’ 

The Daily Mail has reached out to Lamanna and Baylor for further comment.  

Tragic Assault: Man Brutally Beaten After Requesting Neighbors to Lower Music Volume

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Tragic Assault: Man Brutally Beaten After Requesting Neighbors to Lower Music Volume
A Sydney man has been beaten up and left for dead in a park near his home after telling a group of partiers to turn the music down.

A 47-year-old man is currently in stable condition at a hospital after being discovered by neighbors. This unsettling event has left the local community shaken, with concerns that more trouble could be on the horizon.

Late last night, the man, who resides in a unit adjacent to James Meehan Reserve in Dee Why on the Northern Beaches, approached a group enjoying a party in the park. He requested that they lower the volume of their music.

Dee Why attack
A Sydney man has been beaten up and left for dead in a park near his home – after telling a group of partiers to turn the music down. (9News)

According to a witness, the group had a “boom box” that was “extremely loud at one point.”

Another observer noted that the man had initially tried to communicate his request by shouting from his balcony.

After deciding to confront the group in person, he was allegedly encircled and assaulted, resulting in facial injuries that required hospitalization, as reported by police.

“He believes he was lying there for an hour but we’re to investigate that properly,” Inspector Vanessa Robinson from NSW Police said.

Dee Why attack
Councillor Vincent De Luca hopes the perpetrators are found quickly. (9News)

Councillor Vincent De Luca hopes the perpetrators are found quickly.

“NSW Police need to get onto this pretty quick, our community expect arrests and expect justice,” he said.

“Locals are petrified to even take their dogs for a walk.

“We have an epidemic of gang crime and that must be addressed.”

Dee Why attack
Incidents where a group target an individual is not uncommon on the Northern Beaches. (9News)

Incidents where a group target an individual is not uncommon on the Northern Beaches.

Some locals spoken to by 9News said they were scared, but Inspector Robinson maintained it was safe to go to parks.

Stay Safe This Vibrio Season: Essential Tips to Prevent Flesh-Eating Bacterial Infections

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Stay Safe This Vibrio Season: Essential Tips to Prevent Flesh-Eating Bacterial Infections

(NEXSTAR) – Vibriosis, an illness triggered by various strains of vibrio bacteria, affects around 80,000 individuals annually and is projected to become more prevalent in the upcoming months.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that vibrio bacteria thrive in coastal waters, with their populations increasing significantly starting in May. These bacteria are resilient, surviving in both saltwater and brackish environments, which are mixtures of salt and freshwater.

Infection typically occurs through the consumption of shellfish, particularly oysters, though exposure can also happen if someone with an open wound swims in contaminated waters.

Some cases of vibrio infection can escalate into necrotizing fasciitis, a severe bacterial infection often dubbed the “flesh-eating” disease. Those afflicted with this severe form may require intensive medical intervention or even limb amputation. The disease advances swiftly, and tragically, 20% of those infected may succumb within just one to two days.

Recently, the presence of vibrio has been verified along the East Coast, from Long Island, New York, to Florida. The CDC’s monitoring also highlighted multi-state outbreaks last year, which were traced back to Minnesota and Illinois.

This electron microscope image provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Vibrio vulnificus bacteria in 2005.

What are the symptoms and how can you protect yourself from vibrio?

People infected with vibrio may have diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. If the infection spreads into the bloodstream, fever and chills are more common, as well as low blood pressure and skin lesions.

If vibrio is infecting an open wound, you may also notice redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration and discharge from the injury.

If you have any of the above symptoms and recently have eaten seafood (especially oysters) or have an open wound that may have come into contact with coastal water, you should contact a doctor. Antibiotics can be used to treat severe cases, an surgery may be needed for an infected wound.

Anyone can get infected with vibrio if exposes, the CDC explains, but being immunocompromised can make the infection more severe.

To avoid getting sick in the first place, the CDC advises avoiding raw or undercooked seafood, and preventing coastal water from getting into any open wounds.

Natalee Holloway Case Breakthrough: Family Secures Confession from Joran Van Der Sloot After Years of Uncertainty

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Natalee Holloway Case Breakthrough: Family Secures Confession from Joran Van Der Sloot After Years of Uncertainty

Natalee Holloway’s disappearance during a graduation trip left her mother, Beth Holloway, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious events that unfolded.

At just 18, Natalee vanished while in Aruba, sparking a mystery that lingered for another 18 years before her presumed killer, Joran van der Sloot, confessed. This revelation provided Beth with long-awaited closure after what she described as a “never-ending nightmare.”

The ordeal began on May 30, 2005, when Natalee was supposed to return home to Alabama with her classmates but failed to make it to the airport. Her disappearance led to an extensive search that captured international attention.

According to Aruban officials, she was last seen alive at 1:30 a.m., leaving a bar with three individuals, including van der Sloot, a 17-year-old student from the Netherlands.

Van der Sloot was arrested multiple times in connection with her disappearance but was released each time due to insufficient evidence, as reported by the Associated Press.

At the time, van der Sloot maintained he was innocent. He even co-wrote a book about the case in 2007, in which he wrote in part, per ABC News’ translation from Dutch, “I hope every day that Natalee will be found.”

However, three years later, federal prosecutors accused van der Sloot of extorting Beth, alleging he solicited $25,000 from her on the promise he’d tell her where Natalee’s body was located, then gave her bogus information. A federal grand jury indicted him on one count each of wire fraud and extortion in June 2010.

Meanwhile, Van der Sloot was already facing other serious criminal allegations in Peru. That same month, he was arrested in connection to the murder of Stephany Flores.

The 21-year-old college student was reported missing on May 30, 2010—the five-year anniversary of Natalee’s disappearance. Days later, she was found dead of bludgeoning and asphyxiation in van der Sloot’s hotel room in Lima, per NBC News, citing a coroner’s report.

Two years later, van der Sloot pleaded guilty to killing Flores and was sentenced to 28 years in prison.

He remained behind bars in Peru for more than a decade, until 2023, when he was extradited to the U.S. to face the wire fraud and extortion charges in the Holloway case. Van der Sloot pleaded guilty to those charges as part of a plea agreement, which necessitated that he finally reveal what happened to Natalee.

Beth told the Associated Press that her family decided to allow the plea agreement so that they could “finally get the answers we’ve been searching for all these years.”

According to an audio recording of his confession made public by a federal court in Alabama, van der Sloot said that on their night out in Aruba, he and Natalee began kissing in the sand, and when he tried to take things further, she rebuffed him.

“I start feeling her up again, and she tells me, ‘No.’ She tells me she doesn’t want me to feel her up,” he said. “I insist. I keep feeling her up either way. And she knees me—she ends up kneeing me in the crotch.”

Van der Sloot then detailed his violent reaction, saying, “I get up on the beach, and I kick her extremely hard in the face. She’s laying down unconscious, possibly even dead, but definitely unconscious. And I see right next to her, there’s a huge cinderblock laying on the beach… I take this, and I smash her head in with it completely.”

Beth recognized her daughter’s feistiness in his account, telling CBS News afterward, “I said, ‘That’s her.’ She fought like hell. I think she fought like hell with her killer,” adding, “She was killed just by standing her ground. I was so proud of her.”

“The never-ending nightmare is over,” she added. “And to me, that’s better than closure.”

Van der Sloot was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in prison on the extortion and wire fraud charges, which he’ll serve concurrently with his other sentence in Peru, Oxygen previously reported.

Governor Sherrill Criticizes ICE and Justifies Protesters Amidst Trooper Deployment to Control Unrest

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Governor Sherrill Criticizes ICE and Justifies Protesters Amidst Trooper Deployment to Control Unrest

NEWARK, N.J. – On Friday evening, a group of demonstrators disregarded a directive from the State Police to move to a designated “First Amendment zone,” leading to a violent confrontation with law enforcement.

The protesters engaged in a direct standoff with State Police riot officers, even though Governor Mikie Sherrill had emphasized that the presence of law enforcement was intended to shield them from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

“For your safety, we ask you to relocate to the First Amendment zone,” a police officer announced to the crowd via a public address system.

In defiance, members of the crowd responded, “We will not, we will not, I’m expressing my First Amendment right here.”

Rioters clashed with police at an ICE facility in Newark, NJ.

The tense encounter unfolded outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday night. (John Taggart for Fox News Digital)

ANTI-ICE AGITATORS CLASH WITH FEDERAL AGENTS OUTSIDE NEWARK DETENTION CENTER

Several hours later, troopers, including some on horseback, deployed heavy riot control tactics, including noise bombs, tear gas grenades, pepper spray and riot shields in an attempt to disperse the mob. The police had established barriers for the zone earlier in the afternoon, which rioters commandeered to fight back against police.

“My top priority is keeping New Jerseyans and our communities safe – and an increased ICE surge in the area outside of Delaney Hall is a threat to public safety,” Sherrill posted to X Saturday morning after the riot. “We know that lives would be at risk were that to happen. And I will not accept that risk.”

ICE car in Newark, New Jersey smashed

Rioters smashed and wrecked ICE vehicles at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey on Friday night (John Taggart for Fox News Digital)

PROTESTERS CLASH WITH ICE AS NJ DETENTION FACILITY DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE

“This was absolutely necessary to protect public safety, and avoid escalation from ICE,” she added. 

New Jersey is considered a “sanctuary state,” where cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement is extremely limited.

While Sherrill posted that ICE agents were a threat to the community, ICE posted to X that they were grateful for the police presence and that it was critical in controlling the violent rioters.

MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING FEDERAL OFFICERS AFTER ALLEGEDLY BITING ICE AGENTS AT NEWARK ANTI-ICE PROTEST

ICE agents aside from Mikie Sherrill

ICE agents aside from New Jersey Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill. (Rashid Umar Abbasi for Fox News Digital; Governor Mikie Sherrill)

“Thank you, @NJSP for cooperating with us to restore law and order,” ICE posted. “This partnership sends a clear message: assaults, threats, and abuse towards law enforcement officers WILL NOT be tolerated.”

The Department of Homeland Security also posted its appreciation for local law enforcement. 

“Our heroic @ICEgov officers have been bitten and faced death threats and assaults from violent rioters in New Jersey,” DHS said.

ANTI-ICE AGITATOR CHARGED WITH ALLEGEDLY BITING OFFICERS DURING DELANEY HALL CLASHES

“Thank you to the New Jersey state police for cooperating with us to restore law and order and help keep our officers safe.”

Rioters were well organized, with a tent just outside of the main protest site stocked full with thousands of water bottles and supplies.

Police on horseback in Newark, New Jersey facing rioters

Police and rioters battled outside of Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, charging rioters on horseback. (John Taggart for Fox News Digital)

Rioters claim illegal migrants being held at the detention center have been mistreated, although DHS said that the inmates are well-fed and even paid for work they complete on site. DHS said that inmates being held in the facility have mostly committed crimes in the U.S. in addition to being in the country illegally. 

ICE agents fired rounds of pepper balls into the crowd and state law enforcement moved in, but the main battle between local police and rioters left vehicles smashed and many doused with pepper spray and tear gas.

Water bottles stacked up for rioters in an organized demonstration that led to a clash with police.

Rioters were organized and calculated in providing waters and other items to agitators during the clash with police on Friday night. (John Taggart for Fox News Digital)

The heated events of Friday night marked the seventh day for agitators protesting outside of the facility.

Counter-protesters and pro-ICE groups attended a demonstration on Saturday morning, where police presence was even greater than Friday night.

Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news.

Stunning Upset: Coco Gauff’s French Open Title Defense Ends in Third Round

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Stunning Upset: Coco Gauff’s French Open Title Defense Ends in Third Round

PARIS — Coco Gauff’s attempt to defend her French Open crown was cut short in the third round, as she succumbed to Anastasia Potapova with scores of 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4 on Saturday.

Facing the 30th-seeded Potapova, Gauff encountered a formidable opponent capable of matching her stamina and skill in extended baseline exchanges.

The match unfolded in front of largely vacant seats at Court Philippe-Chatrier, as local fans opted to tune into the Champions League soccer final instead.


Coco Gauff of United States in action against Anastasia Potapova of Austria during their Women's Singles third round match on Day Seven of the 2026 French Open at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 30, 2026.
Coco Gauff of the United States in action against Anastasia Potapova of Austria during their Women’s Singles third round match on Day Seven of the 2026 French Open at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 30, 2026. Anadolu via Getty Images

Anastasia Potapova of Austria celebrates after a point during the match against Coco Gauff of United States in the Women's Singles third round match on Day Seven of the 2026 French Open at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 30, 2026.
Anastasia Potapova of Austria celebrates after a point during the match against Coco Gauff of the United States in the Women’s Singles third round match on Day Seven of the 2026 French Open at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 30, 2026. Anadolu via Getty Images

Gauff’s impressive journey last year culminated in her second Grand Slam victory, where she triumphed over the then top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the final showdown.

Potapova, a Russian-born athlete now representing Austria, has now edged ahead in her head-to-head with Gauff, holding a 3-2 advantage. Her performance on clay this season has been noteworthy, with her reaching the final in Linz, Austria, and advancing to the semifinals of the Madrid Open as a qualifier.

The fourth-ranked Gauff was coming off a run to the Italian Open final.

Jamie Lee Curtis Mourns the Loss of Sister Kelly at 69: ‘My First Friend’ Passes Away

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Jamie Lee Curtis Mourns the Loss of Sister Kelly at 69: ‘My First Friend’ Passes Away

On Saturday, Jamie Lee Curtis shared the heartbreaking news of her elder sister Kelly Curtis’s passing at the age of 69.

Both sisters were Hollywood natives, born to the legendary Some Like It Hot actor Tony Curtis and the iconic Psycho actress Janet Leigh.

Kelly Curtis followed in her famous parents’ footsteps, carving out her own career in acting. Among her notable roles was a part in the 1991 Italian horror film The Devil’s Daughter, directed by Dario Argento, renowned for his work on the original Suspiria.

In addition to acting, Kelly contributed to the entertainment industry behind the scenes, working as a production assistant on several of Jamie Lee’s films, including Freaky Friday, Christmas with the Kranks, and You Again.

Jamie Lee took to Instagram on Saturday to share the news of her sister’s passing, revealing that Kelly died at home that morning. However, she chose not to disclose the cause of death.

Hailing her sister’s ‘loving generosity’ and ‘fierce opinions,’ the devastated Halloween star mourned the loss of her ‘first friend’ and ‘lifelong’ confidante.

The Daily Mail has contacted Curtis’s representative for further comment. 

Jamie Lee Curtis heartbrokenly announced on Saturday that her elder sister Kelly Curtis has died at the age of just 69; the pair are pictured in 2012

Jamie Lee Curtis heartbrokenly announced on Saturday that her elder sister Kelly Curtis has died at the age of just 69; the pair are pictured in 2012

They were both famous from the time of their birth, the daughters of Some Like It Hot star Tony Curtis and Psycho actress Janet Leigh

They were both famous from the time of their birth, the daughters of Some Like It Hot star Tony Curtis and Psycho actress Janet Leigh

‘A warm aloha to my older sister, Kelly Lee Curtis. She passed away this morning. In her home. In nature. At peace,’ wrote Jamie Lee.

‘She was my first friend and lifelong confidant. She was jaw droppingly beautiful, and a talented actress. She played a mean game of hearts, collected turtles, loved her family, nature, music, thrifting, travel, Facebook, and Pokémon Go,’ she added.

Kelly, Jamie Lee wrote lovingly, ‘was proud of her Danish roots and Hungarian Jewish ancestry and was a devoted American patriot.’

Jamie Lee continued: ‘She will be remembered for her loving generosity, fierce opinions, endless curiosity, unique style, and her powdered, almond, crescent cookies at Christmas, hence her name, Auntie Cookie.’

The True Lies actress recalled that ‘Kelly always signed off any message or fare thee well with a Hungarian blessing…Isten Veled, God is with you.’

As such, Jamie Lee concluded her tribute by writing: ‘Isten Veled to my sister of the sun and the moon, my Tai. I’ll see you on down the line.’

Kelly was born in Santa Monica in 1956, two years before her movie star parents welcomed her little sister Jamie Lee into the world.

Behind the glamorous facade presented by the Hollywood publicity shots of their family idyll, the marriage between the girls’ parents was dramatically disintegrating, ending in divorce when Kelly was only six.

Kelly starred in such films as the 1991 Italian horror picture The Devil's Daughter (pictured), directed by Dario Argento, whose previous work included the original Suspiria

Kelly starred in such films as the 1991 Italian horror picture The Devil’s Daughter (pictured), directed by Dario Argento, whose previous work included the original Suspiria

Kelly (left) and Jamie Lee (right) are pictured in the 1980s with their mother (center), who primarily raised them after she and Tony Curtis divorced

Kelly (left) and Jamie Lee (right) are pictured in the 1980s with their mother (center), who primarily raised them after she and Tony Curtis divorced

In the 2000s Kelly worked for her elder sister, serving as production assistant on her films Freaky Friday, Christmas with the Kranks and You Again; pictured 2007

In the 2000s Kelly worked for her elder sister, serving as production assistant on her films Freaky Friday, Christmas with the Kranks and You Again; pictured 2007

The devastated Halloween star mourned the loss of her 'first friend' and 'lifelong' confidante; the sisters are pictured at the 1994 premiere of Jamie Lee's film True Lies

The devastated Halloween star mourned the loss of her ‘first friend’ and ‘lifelong’ confidante; the sisters are pictured at the 1994 premiere of Jamie Lee’s film True Lies

Tony Curtis claimed in his memoirs that he finally moved out on an impulse after a particularly brutal fight at the end of which Janet, well-oiled with Scotch, swallowed a ‘handful’ of pills and he had to slap her back to get her to regurgitate them.

‘Sad to say, Kelly and Jamie have always held it against me,’ wrote Tony, adding that the girls’ mother had what was then the customary full custody ‘and I’m sure she filled their heads with all sorts of negative stories about me.’

Despite the sturm und drang of her upbringing, Kelly ‘was always remarkably practical,’ her father said, recalling that when she was four years old and saw a TV for the first time she sat down behind it and explained to her father that she ‘was looking to see where the pictures and sounds were coming from.’

Having developed an early interest in the mechanics of showbiz, Kelly studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, named for the chief of the Actors Studio.

She had made her movie debut at the age of two in her parents’ movie The Vikings, and she acted sporadically in movies as an adult.

Kelly landed a cameo in the classic 1983 comedy Trading Places, starring Jamie Lee with Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy and Don Ameche.

Her star turns including the 1987 adventure comedy Magic Sticks, which featured a young Samuel L. Jackson in the bit part of a homeless man.

In 1991 she played perhaps her best-remembered part – an American schoolteacher in Germany who is targeted by a Satanic cult bent on impregnating her with the antichrist, in the Italian horror movie The Devil’s Daughter.

Kelly was born in Santa Monica in 1956, two years before her movie star parents welcomed her little sister Jamie Lee into the world; the family are pictured in 1959

Kelly was born in Santa Monica in 1956, two years before her movie star parents welcomed her little sister Jamie Lee into the world; the family are pictured in 1959

Behind the glamorous facade presented by the Hollywood publicity shots of their family idyll, the marriage between the girls' parents was dramatically disintegrating; pictured 1960

Behind the glamorous facade presented by the Hollywood publicity shots of their family idyll, the marriage between the girls’ parents was dramatically disintegrating; pictured 1960 

The picture was directed by Dario Argento, the Italian ‘Master of Horror’ whose films included Suspiria, Deep Red and The Bird with the Crystal Plumage and whose daughter is the scandal-struck actress Asia Argento.

Kelly also guested on a variety of classic TV shows of the 1980s and 1990s, such as The Equalizer, Hunter, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Sentinel and Judging Amy.

Her father reflected in his memoirs: ‘Kelly wanted to be an actress, and she eventually had some changes to work in films, but it never made her truly happy.’

She acted in the theater as well and married playwright-cum-producer Scott Morfee in 1989, but the marriage fell apart and her stage career never resulted in stardom.

In the 2000s Kelly worked for her elder sister, serving as production assistant on three of her movies – the 2003 classic Freaky Friday co-starring Lindsay Lohan, the 2004 picture Christmas with the Kranks led by Jamie Lee and Tim Allen and the 2010 romantic comedy You Again featuring Kristen Bell and Sigourney Weaver.

Tony Curtis, who died at 85 in 2010, had paid his own fond homage to her in his book: ‘Kelly is a remarkably generous and compassionate person, sweet and giving.’

Tragic Incident on I-294: Tollway Worker Fatality and Two Injured as Golf Rd Reopens

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Tragic Incident on I-294: Tollway Worker Fatality and Two Injured as Golf Rd Reopens

A tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning in Des Plaines, Illinois, when a tollway worker lost his life and two others sustained injuries after being hit on Interstate 294, according to the Illinois State Police.

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The unfortunate event took place in the southbound lanes of I-294, in the vicinity of Devon Avenue. The workers were engaged in repairing potholes when a vehicle struck them, police officials reported.

All three individuals involved in the accident were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Tragically, one of the workers succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, as confirmed by the Illinois State Police.

One of the workers died at the hospital, ISP said.

ISP said all lanes of I-294 were temporarily shut down at Golf Road. All lanes have since reopened.

Governor JB Pritzker said in a statement:: “Heartbreaking news this morning as three tollway workers were struck in Des Plaines while working.“

“May their memory be a blessing, and may we come together to pray for the injured.”

“Remember to slow down and keep our workers safe.”

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Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse released the following statement:

“The Illinois Tollway Board and all Tollway staff are devastated by the loss of one of our Illinois Tollway roadway maintenance workers.

This equipment operator/laborer has worked with the Illinois Tollway for the past two years and was a respected and valued member of the Tollway.

Our equipment operator/laborers work on the front line of our 294-mile roadway system, performing duties that included maintaining safe roadway conditions and assisting drivers who were stranded or needed help. He was carrying out these duties when he tragically lost his life on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294).

Roadway workers, police officers and everyday motorists are too often hurt, injured or worse because drivers are not following the Move Over Law. The Tollway reminds everyone to slow down and change lanes safely when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights on the road.

We offer our deepest condolences and our full support to family, loved ones and friends for this heartbreaking loss.”

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10 Once-Popular Sci-Fi Shows That Haven’t Aged Well

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10 Once-Popular Sci-Fi Shows That Haven’t Aged Well



The 21st century has ushered in a remarkable era for science fiction television, with a host of captivating series that have redefined the genre. Productions like “Stranger Things” and “Severance” have captivated sci-fi enthusiasts by taking bold new directions, proving that thrilling extraterrestrial encounters don’t always require a spaceship or interstellar travel. Meanwhile, iconic franchises such as “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who” continue to thrive, enticing fresh audiences to explore their extensive histories and discover other classic sci-fi gems from the past.


Showtime

Yet, not every sci-fi series from this era has aged gracefully. Several productions now seem dated or difficult to enjoy for a range of reasons. While many older sci-fi narratives still resonate with contemporary themes, others have not stood the test of time. Whether due to outdated special effects, themes that no longer resonate, or simply being relics of their era, some shows struggle to engage modern viewers despite their initial popularity.

“Andromeda,” for instance, chronicles the journey of Captain Dylan Hunt (portrayed by Kevin Sorbo) aboard the starship Andromeda Ascendant. Initially, the series follows their adventures within the Commonwealth, an alliance of six societies united by a peace treaty. This fragile harmony unravels when the Nietzscheans attempt to overthrow the Commonwealth, as their planet has been overrun by the parasitic Magog, sworn enemies of the Commonwealth.

Fans initially praised “Andromeda” for its compelling writing and well-developed characters, especially in its early seasons. On Rotten Tomatoes, one reviewer, Steve B, describes it as “a great space opera with great characters you get attached to.” However, two decades after its debut, the series has lost its appeal due to a noticeable decline in quality following the first two seasons. Viewers at the time may have continued watching in hopes of a return to form, but significant changes in the creative team altered the show’s trajectory.

Andromeda


Global Television Network

The departure of original executive producer Robert Hewitt Wolfe, who was replaced due to the network’s desire for a more episodic format, marked a pivotal shift. As Robert Engels took over as showrunner, “Andromeda” shifted from intricate, overarching narratives to standalone episodes. This transition diluted the writing and character development that initially captivated audiences, making the series less engaging for today’s viewers.

Science fiction fans love the series, highlighting how strong the writing is in the early seasons. In particular, audiences found themselves connecting with the characters. Steve B on Rotten Tomatoes calls the show “a great space opera with great characters you get attached to.” However, in the two decades since “Andromeda” aired, the steep decline in the writing after its first two seasons has caused the series to be unwatchable. At the time, fans continued watching, likely hoping that the quality they had become accustomed to would return, but a key change in the creative team is responsible for the shift.

Original executive producer Robert Hewitt Wolfe was removed from the creative team because the network wanted the series to be more episodic. This occurred while filming was already underway for Season 2. Robert Engels became the new showrunner, and “Andromeda” moved from having over-arching stories to adopting an episodic format. This change up makes it difficult to watch the series now, since the writing and development that initially engaged the audience disappears halfway through.

Babylon 5


PTEN

A space station is home to both aliens and humans in “Babylon 5.” The series is set after a war, and the station is a place of neutrality between the Earth Alliance (the human colonies across the solar system) and the Minbari (a technologically advanced alien race). Despite their peace, other alien races and political unrest continue to test the relationship between the Earth Alliance and Minbari.

Reddit user GrexSteele calls it “one of the best multiseason shows,” with a “continuing story arc.” “Babylon 5” creates a tight story that was designed to be told over five seasons. However, this fell apart in Season 4 when it looked like it would be cancelled due to their network, PTEN, closing in 1997. To ensure everything the creative team planned would still happen, they overloaded the fourth season. Then, they were picked up for a Season 5 on TNT, and it meant they had little left to cover. It makes watching the show now difficult because the final season feels like filler and ruins the build up of the previous ones.

The special effects of “Babylon 5” also make it unwatchable today. When the series was released in the ’90s, it was on the forefront of technology, but it wasn’t considered as visually impactful as “Star Trek.” In the decades since, the special effects only continue to look worse. When combined with a poor last season, it makes “Babylon 5” unwatchable.

Life on Mars


BBC One

“Life on Mars” is part procedural, part science fiction, as it follows a main character that ends up thrust back in time after a car accident. Sam Tyler (John Simm) starts off in 2006, but is later thrown into 1973. He has a job and life in the ’70s while it’s unknown what’s happening to him in his actual timeline. Not only is he solving cases for work, but he’s also trying to understand what happened to him and how to move forward.

While it was remade into an American series in 2008, the original British version boasts a 100% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s obviously well-regarded, but the show hasn’t aged well due to the plot ultimately featuring a crooked cop in the form of Sam’s boss. Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister) embodies everything audiences have come to dislike in police procedurals, leaning into racist views and regularly showing his corruption. 

In a time where projects like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Blue Bloods” are being called “copaganda,” “Life on Mars” would fall into that category, despite the story actually being about Sam investigating how he ended up in 1973. It’s an underlying thread that’s hard to ignore, and makes the show impossible to watch now.

Logan’s Run


CBS

Based on the movie of the same name, “Logan’s Run” features Gregory Harrison as Logan 5 and Heather Menzies as Jessica 6 as they look for the Sanctuary so they aren’t killed when they turn 30. The series does diverge from the film as the two travel in a spaceship called the SolarCraft, on the run while looking through a post-apocalyptic America for their end goal.

As the premise for a movie, it works. However, despite a built-in fan base from the film and relatively strong IMDb scores for each episode, “Logan’s Run” ended after only one season. Now, trying to rewatch the show is impossible because the episodic format makes it feel repetitive in a bad way. “They get chased, they get caught or close to caught, they escape. Rinse & repeat,” Reddit user gchance1 writes. Is it fun to watch Logan and Jessica on their adventures? Sure, but every episode bleeds into each other, feeling the same in a way that makes it boring and hard to watch, especially because it doesn’t stick to the dystopian themes initially presented.

In addition to the story format not holding up, the special effects don’t either. While there was an effort to have similar effects to the movie, a television series has a different budget than a film, making it difficult to rise to the same level.

Lost in Space


CBS

“Lost in Space” is a family science fiction series following the Robinsons from the 1960s. Set in the then-future of 1997, humans have moved into space due to overpopulation, and the Robinsons are on a spaceship meant to take them to another planet. It’s a trip that will take over 5 years, and things go wrong from the start, including crashing into an alien civilization.

“Lost in Space” takes on more of a humorous tone compared to the drama often associated with the genre, but that humor is what’s caused it to age poorly, since it leans more into a children’s show now. Some fans are also recognizing that one of the characters comes off creepy after a rewatch. Dr. Zachary Smith and his behavior around one of the children now rubs audiences the wrong way. “Creepy touchy coward doctor, you take my impressionable son and look over there,” Reddit user dullgreybathmat describes in their interpretation of the character.

At the time, the special effects of “Lost in Space” could be described as “cheesy,” but now they just don’t look good. When combined with the lackluster humor and the now concerning characterization of the doctor, it causes the show to be campy in an unwatchable way.

Primeval


ITV

What happens when prehistoric creatures start appearing in the present thanks to anomalies with time? Scientists try to figure that out in “Primeval.” Rather than taking place in space, the British series is set in England and involves time travel. Professor Nick Cutter (Douglas Henshall) teaches palaeozoology and is part of the team of scientists that realize something is amiss, helping curb the impact of dinosaurs in the present day.

The combination of time travel and dinosaurs makes for an interesting and different science fiction series, especially since it doesn’t just feature the dinosaurs that appeared in “Jurassic Park.” New prehistoric creatures were always popping up, forcing Professor Cutter and his team to figure out what to do. However, that all changed in the third season when Cutter was killed off, and that single change makes the show unwatchable today. It firmly changed the direction of the series for the worse, with Reddit user Boring-Pea993 writing that there was “nothing in place to really keep the show going [without] them.”

In addition to the change in the writing quality, the special effects, namely the dinosaurs, in “Primeval” have not aged well. When compared to recent dinosaur media, they don’t always fit into the present-day world well, with them looking more like something from a game.

Space: 1999


ITV

The moon is now flying through the galaxy thanks to an explosion in “Space: 1999.” That isn’t what’s supposed to be happening, but the nuclear waste being stored on the far side of the satellite explodes, causing the moon to dislodge from its orbit. There’s a human base on the surface, meaning now that the moon is effectively a ship hurtling through uncharted regions.

It’s an intriguing concept, doing something new with the “lost in space” trope with a strong first season. However, this falls apart in the second season. Fans of the series acknowledge that, while they can forgive the wild premise initially, it was more difficult to overlook with the poor writing of Season 2. “The second season became the poor man’s ‘Star Trek,’” Reddit user NetMassimo commented.

Now, trying to rewatch “Space: 1999” is impossible, even though it’s one of the best cult classic science fiction shows. You can’t overlook the poor direction the plot takes in the second season, and using the moon as a vehicle crosses the line from corny to silly in a cringeworthy way. Unfortunately, better options have since come out, and it leaves this one feeling incredibly representative of its time in a way that isn’t enjoyable to watch.

Stargate SG-1


Showtime

“Stargate SG-1”, based on the 1994 film, follows an Earth-based military force that travels to different planets throughout the galaxy. How is this possible? They use a special alien portal called a Stargate. The military is looking for technology and trying to protect Earth from potential invaders. Several different alien foes come up over time, and there’s a constant threat from the Goa’uld Empire alien species, no matter how many times the military kills their leader.

With over 200 episodes, “Stargate SG-1” should be an ideal science fiction series to binge today, especially when so few shows get more than 40 episodes across a few seasons. However, as a military sci-fi project, it’s rooted heavily in a premise that is very Western-centric, leaning into the white savior trope as the teams go to different planets and show the residents the human way of life. “Overall, very poor representation by modern standards and some very unfortunately aged tropes,” Reddit user seafood1471 wrote. It’s something that doesn’t work well today, and makes the series difficult to watch.

The special effects have also aged poorly, and the combination of outdated storylines and effects make it unwatchable. “I’d love to see them do a 4K release and try to clean up the VFX,” Reddit user gogoggansgo posted.

The Tomorrow People (1973)


ITV

“The Tomorrow People” is about a group of teens who are considered advanced humans because they have special powers in their fight to protect Earth. The British series is geared at children, showing the teens learning about others with similar powers and fighting against various aliens, including ones who have hidden themselves in plain sight.

As a children’s show, it’s very representative of the time. Fans recognize that, while it was fun to watch then, it isn’t now. “It was great when we were kids. Try watching it again now, though, and you’ll see that time hasn’t been kind to it,” Reddit user captainzigzag wrote. In particular, many find the storylines themselves haven’t aged well, with some considering them corny in a bad way. Reddit user Jakey0_0-9191 calls the show “cheesier than a massive block of gorgonzola!”

There are also considerations for how “The Tomorrow People” treats its female characters. They are often in more passive roles in the series compared to their male counterparts, which is disappointing and would make it a hard watch for children and teens today.

Torchwood


Jack Harkness frowning in

BBC

A “Doctor Who” spin-off, “Torchwood” follows the Torchwood Institute, an organization of alien hunters, and the cases they investigate. Their purpose is to keep the planet safe from alien threats, who are appearing thanks to a time rift. Over time, the hunters go from working for the organization to instead being fugitives, which changes how they do their job a bit.

John Barrowman stars as Jack Harkness, one of the characters that appears in both “Torchwood” and “Doctor Who,” serving as a companion in the latter. In the spin-off, he helps fight aliens using the skills he gained as a companion. However, off-screen allegations against Barrowman have made the series unwatchable because of how it taints the story.

In 2014, one of his “Torchwood” co-stars alleged during a panel at an event that Barrowman regularly exposed himself on the set of the show. This statement was then confirmed by Barrowman himself in an interview with Doctor Who Magazine as reported by Grazia. Barrowman also exposed himself during a live BBC 1 Radio broadcast in 2008. Though the camera was covered up so the audience did not see, the network did issue an apology to audiences. Barrowman himself apologized for the incident at the time, and later made a statement in 2021 reinforcing that apology in connection to actions on the “Torchwood” set.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

U.S. Inflation Soars to Highest in Years, Dents Consumer Confidence

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U.S. Inflation Soars to Highest in Years, Dents Consumer Confidence


In recent days, the economic landscape has been dominated by discussions about inflation and its potential impact on everyday American life. The increasing costs at grocery stores and gas stations are becoming more burdensome than they were a year ago, influencing the choices made by both families and businesses.

Here’s an overview of the key economic developments from the past week and their potential implications for consumers.

Key inflation gauge worsens, reaches highest level in 3 years

A critical measure of inflation, closely observed by the Federal Reserve, surged in April to its highest point in three years. This intensifying financial squeeze poses not only a challenge for American households but also a political hurdle for President Trump and congressional Republicans, especially with the midterm elections looming just five months away.

The Commerce Department reported on Thursday that inflation reached 3.8% in April, compared to the same period last year, rising from 3.5% in March. This marks the highest inflation rate since May 2023. Although the monthly increase was 0.4%, down from March’s 0.7% rise, it remains above the Federal Reserve’s comfort zone for inflation control.

The inflation report revealed that, beyond gasoline, the costs of groceries, clothing, and electricity are also climbing, indicating that inflation might be becoming more deeply rooted in the economy.

Consumer confidence slips as living costs race higher

U.S. consumer confidence declined slightly this month as gas prices stayed high and inflation remained elevated, a sharp contrast to soaring stock prices that have neared record levels.

The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index slipped 0.7 points to 93.1 in May, the first decline after three months of gains.

The index follows a separate gauge of consumer sentiment released last week by the University of Michigan, which fell to a record low this month. Spikes in gas prices as well as higher food costs have worsened inflation, which has outpaced the growth in average paychecks, reducing most Americans’ purchasing power. Americans have soured on President Trump’s economic policies, polls show, potentially creating problems for Republicans heading into the midterm elections.

Average US long-term mortgage rate hits highest level in 9 months

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose again this week, reaching its highest level in nine months, another setback for prospective homebuyers.

The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.53% from 6.51% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. Despite the latest increase, the average rate remains below 6.89%, where it was a year ago.

When mortgage rates rise they can add hundreds of dollars a month in costs for borrowers, reducing their purchasing power.

Rates have been mostly trending higher since the war with Iran began, disrupting the passage of tankers ferrying crude oil from the Persian Gulf to customers worldwide. That’s sent oil prices sharply higher — a key driver of inflation.

US jobless claims rise, but layoffs remain low

More Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain low despite economic uncertainty caused by the Iran war.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims were up to 215,000, up from 210,000 the week before. The four-week moving average of claims, which smooths out week-to-week volatility, rose by nearly 6,300 to 209,000.

The number of Americans signing up for unemployment benefits — a proxy for layoffs — has stabilized in a low range of mostly 200,000 to 250,000 a week since the U.S. economy emerged from a brief but nasty pandemic recession in 2020.

The total number of people collecting jobless aid rose by 15,000 to 1.79 million the week that ended May 16.

The persistently low number of claims suggests that most U.S. companies have not resorted to layoffs. But even if they’re not cutting jobs, employers haven’t been adding many either. Last year, companies, nonprofits and government agencies added fewer than 10,000 jobs a month, the weakest hiring outside recession years since 2002.

Stocks add to all-time highs

Stocks rose on Wall Street Friday, adding to the all-time highs they set a day earlier.

The S&P 500 climbed slightly. The index is coming off six gains in a row and is headed for a ninth straight winning week, which would be the longest such streak since 2023.

Every major index is on track for records and to close out May with solid gains, despite worries about the U.S. war with Iran and its impact on inflation.

Markets in Europe and Asia mostly rose.
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