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Uneven Easter Holiday Schedule: Why Public Holidays Vary Across Australia in 2023

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However, not all states and territories share the same public holiday schedule for the Easter long weekend.

Here’s a breakdown of how each region across the country will celebrate the holiday.

buying chocolate for Easter
Not all Aussies get the same public holidays this Easter long weekend. (Getty)

Across Australia, Good Friday and Easter Monday are recognized as public holidays in every state and territory.

This means the majority of Australians can enjoy an extended four-day weekend during Easter.

We say “majority” because some areas have unique rules regarding Easter Saturday and Sunday observances.

Is Easter Saturday a public holiday?

Not all states and territories observe the Easter Saturday public holiday, which is bad news for retail and hospitality staff who miss out on public holiday rates.

The jurisdictions that don’t consider it a public holiday are Tasmania and Western Australia.

New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory do honour the Saturday public holiday.

Easter Saturday is not a public holiday in Tasmania or Western Australia. (Getty)

What about Easter Sunday?

All but one Australian jurisdiction recognises the Easter Sunday public holiday.

Tasmania is the unlucky state that ignores the Sunday holiday and instead observes “Easter Tuesday” on the day after Easter Monday.

Unfortunately for Tassie locals, it pretty much exclusively applies to public servants.

Is there anything else different this year?

Yes! This year Easter Sunday falls on the the first Sunday in April, which is when daylight saving ends.

Clocks will go back by one hour from 3am to 2am this Sunday, April 5 at 3am Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) in all but three states and territories.

NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT will get an extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning.

Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory don’t observe daylight saving time, so there’s no change in those areas.

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Kendra Duggar Announces Legal Representation, Clarifies It’s Independent of Joseph Duggar

Jason and Maddie Duggar, who tied the knot in 2024, have expressed their outrage over the “unimaginable” actions of Jason’s brother, Joseph.

“This past week has left us feeling shocked, bewildered, and heartbroken, to name just a few emotions,” the couple conveyed in a statement on Instagram dated March 26. “We are appalled by the news regarding my brother; however, this is not about the impact on us. Our hearts are heavy for a child whose world has been turned upside down by the malicious deeds of someone who should have been a protector.”

“Maddie and I have always held a deep compassion for those who are vulnerable, and we intend to uphold this commitment,” their statement continued. “The thought that someone would misuse their power to harm the innocent is reprehensible.”

They urged for prayers for the “courageous” victim and Joseph’s family, remarking, “His children now face the harsh truth of losing a father who was meant to be a spiritual guide in their lives.”

They asked for prayers for the “brave” victim as well as Joseph’s family, saying, “His children must face the reality of losing a father that should have been a spiritual leader in their lives.”

Blake Lively Sparks Speculation of Rift with Taylor Swift After Cryptic Comment

Blake Lively and Taylor Swift are seen out in New York City

Celebrity Buzz

Blake Lively’s recent actions have sparked a whirlwind of speculation among fans, with some suggesting she might be subtly shading Taylor Swift.

Since the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, the couple’s upcoming nuptials have been the talk of the town. Fans are eagerly anticipating the details of their special day, from the location of the ceremony to Swift’s choice of wedding dress, and, of course, who will be on the exclusive guest list.

Reports from the Daily Mail have fueled the excitement, revealing that the wedding is set for this summer. The ceremony is expected to be held at Swift’s opulent Rhode Island mansion. However, in a surprising twist, it seems that Blake Lively, once considered a close confidante of Swift, might not be among those invited.

It’s really no surprise that Likely didn’t score an invite. That’s because there’s been chatter for months that Swift didn’t appreciate being dragged into the drama between Lively and her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Although neither addressed that or the upcoming legal case publicly, it’s believed that the two women aren’t close anymore. And now something Lively posted on Instagram has fans claiming that she just subtly threw shade at Swift.

Lively posted a carousel of photos showing her recent weekend in the U.K. with the caption “so grateful for the best week with my loved ones.”

The Gossip Girl alum‘s husband, Ryan Reynolds, as well as a few family members and friends, are shown, but not Swift. Some immediately called it “subtle shade” by Lively posting about her “loved ones” and leaving out the “Blank Space” artist.

However, no one knows if Lively was trying to send a message to her former BFF. What we do know for sure is that Swift and Lively haven’t been photographed together since 2024, indicating there is bad blood there.

Shocking Footage Reveals Eric Valencia Entering Police Car Before Tragic Death

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A troubling video has surfaced depicting a man climbing into a police vehicle stationed at a Southern California police department, where he was later discovered deceased.

The individual, identified by authorities as 37-year-old Eric Valencia, was found by a maintenance worker in the back of a decommissioned patrol car parked outside the Azusa Police Department headquarters in downtown Azusa.

Security footage released by the Azusa police captures the moment Valencia entered the marked, unlocked squad car positioned directly in front of the department’s main office around midday last Monday.

Following this incident, Valencia vanished from sight until three days later. It was then that a worker, contracted to clean the vehicle, stumbled upon his lifeless body inside the car, which had remained stationary since his entry.

The circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation, leaving the cause unknown.

Chief of Police Rocky Wenrick said the department is investigating what happened to Valencia, why the car was left unlocked, and how come nobody noticed him inside the car — even though it was parked in front of the police station all week long.  

“We will continue to follow the facts wherever it takes us,” Wenrick said at a press conference given at the police station Monday to discuss the case.

Asuza police arrested Valencia on March 20 on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment, and released him from custody three days later, on last Monday, just moments before he entered the squad car, said Wenrick.

Valencia had no signs of trauma to his body at the time of his arrest and had been regularly checked on by police while in custody, according to Wenrick. Police provided Valencia with extra food upon his release, said Wenrick.  

Valencia’s family reported him missing just hours before his body was discovered, said Wenrick.

Video released by Azusa police Monday shows Valencia talking and moving normally as exited the police station and walked onto the sidewalk in front of the station. He passes a pair of squad cars before doubling back and letting himself into one in the video.

Wenrick said the vehicle was awaiting maintenance, which is a common practice as patrol units are regularly cycled in and out of service and new vehicles await equipment installation.

“It should have been secured,” said Wenrick.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner will determine Valencia’s cause of death, which remained unknown Monday.

Wenrick said Valencia had a working cell phone with him when he entered the squad car. He said a preliminary test showed Valencia’s blood alcohol level was at twice the legal limit at the time of his arrest.

The Azusa Police Department retained an outside investigative firm to conduct an independent investigation into the entire incident, Wenrick said, including determining why the vehicle was not locked.

Wenrick did not answer questions on the incident, citing an ongoing investigation. He would not say if any officers would be disciplined over the matter.

Members of Valencia’s family gathered in front of the police station on Monday with a shrine to their dead relative placed near the parking spot where his body was discovered.

Carlos Velasquez, a cousin of Valencia’s, said the dead man was a father of two who lived not far from the police station. He was in good spirits and strong health before he died, said Velasquez.

Valencia’s family is shocked and heartbroken by his passing, said Velasquez, and they want police to tell them how he ended up dead in a squad car parked right in front of the police station.

“We want answers,” said Velasquez. “We didn’t hear from him at all.”

Sarasota Police Recover Stolen Car Using Advanced Real-Time Technology


In Sarasota, Florida, a remarkable turn of events unfolded when police successfully located a stolen vehicle shortly after receiving the alert. This swift recovery was made possible by leveraging the advanced technology housed within the Real-Time Operations Center at police headquarters.

During the incident, analysts stationed at the center were able to listen in on live radio communications. As they received details about the vehicle’s description and license plate number, they utilized city-wide cameras and license plate readers to track the car as it moved within city boundaries.

Breaking: US Embassy Reopens in Caracas Following Successful Maduro Ouster

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WASHINGTON — The United States has officially reopened its embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, signaling the renewal of full diplomatic ties with the nation. This development comes after the Trump administration’s removal of former President Nicolas Maduro in early January.

On Monday, the State Department announced that regular operations had resumed at the Caracas embassy, which had been closed for seven years since President Donald Trump’s first term. The embassy required substantial repairs, including mold remediation, before reopening.

For over a month, a small contingent of U.S. diplomats, previously stationed in Colombia, has been active in Caracas. They conducted a flag-raising ceremony on March 14, but the official reopening of the embassy took place on Monday.

The State Department highlighted that reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas is a significant step in the president’s three-phase strategy for Venezuela. This move will enhance direct engagement with Venezuela’s interim government, civil society, and the private sector.

The reopening represents “a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela,” according to the State Department.

Work to restore the consular section of the embassy, where Americans and Venezuelans must go for passport and visa services, is not yet complete, and those seeking assistance still need to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, the department said.

Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Florida Mother Arrested for Murder After Autistic Son Discovered in Bay Wrapped in Blankets and Bag

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In a tragic case from Florida, a woman is facing serious charges after allegedly taking the life of her 5-year-old son, who was non-verbal and autistic. Authorities claim she placed his body in a black trash bag and disposed of it in the bay.

On March 26, Jalynda Karie Smith faced a grand jury in Escambia County, where she was formally charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering. This indictment followed the discovery of her son’s severely undernourished remains by the bay over a month earlier, according to a statement released by the Office of State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit of Florida.

When authorities found the child, he was reported to have lost over a third of his body weight, showing clear signs of malnutrition and dehydration, as detailed in an arrest warrant obtained by Oxygen.

The officer’s account in the warrant paints a haunting picture: “The child’s rib cage was visibly outlined through his skin, and his lower abdomen appeared hollowed out,” the officer noted. “His limbs looked like mere skin stretched over bone, inconsistent with what would be expected of a 5-year-old’s body mass.”

Jalynda Smith Allegedly Begged Sister Not to Call Police

The case unfolded after Smith’s mother alerted authorities on February 5, expressing concern over the sudden disappearance of both her daughter and grandson, whom she hadn’t seen for four days. This unusual behavior was compounded by the fact that Smith’s phone was turned off, as documented in the warrant.

The next day Smith allegedly texted her sister asking her to check her emails, authorities said. That was when Smith’s sister—who wasn’t identified by investigators—discovered email had been sent from Smith at 6:13 a.m., saying “1st please don’t tell ma u heard from me and please don’t tell the police.” 

Smith went on to write that would tell her sister “everything,” per the court records, but wanted her to download the Telegram app so their conversation would be secure. During their conversation, Smith allegedly said she was “scared” and wanted her sister to call the police to tell them that she was no longer missing. When asked about her son’s whereabouts, Smith allegedly replied “I came in the house and he was not breathing,” the reporting officer wrote.

Smith’s sister went to her home and discovered it empty, with the sheets missing off the bed. Neighbors also noted that they hadn’t seen Smith in several days. 

Concerned, her sister called law enforcement officers, who secured a warrant for the home. Inside, the officer wrote in the warrant that it was “stocked with sufficient food,” but there was “a smell of urine” in the child’s bedroom.

Jalynda Smith’s Son Was Found in Bay Wearing Only a Diaper

Later that morning at approximately 10:14 a.m., the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a call that the body of a small Black child wearing only a diaper had been found in the bay off Lillian Highway, wrapped in towels and blankets and stuffed into a black trash bag, according to the warrant. The child had a notable gap in his teeth and appeared to the match photos Smith’s family had provided of the missing 5-year-old. 

During an autopsy, a medical examiner determined the child weighed just 20 pounds, which was 10 pounds less than he weighed during a doctor’s visit on Dec. 15. 

The reporting officer spoke to the child’s pediatrician, who said Smith told doctors at the time of the visit that her son was vomiting after he ate food, an assertion she also made in 2024. The pediatrician ordered lab work, but Smith never complied, authorities said.

When the reporting officer asked the boy’s pediatrician about his weight loss, the doctor allegedly responded “that the child losing one-third of his body weight in less than two months is incredibly concerning,” per the report.

Investigators believe the boy’s death was the result of abuse due to starvation or medical neglect.

According to the arrest warrant, Smith had been investigated by the Department of Children and Families in 2022 and 2025 after reports were made that she’d been leaving the child at home unattended. While the 2022 report found she was providing “inadequate supervision,” the report in October of 2025 concluded she was “meeting the child’s needs.”

Where is Jalynda Smith Now?

Around the same time that the child’s remains were found, Smith’s car was spotted in a Walmart parking lot. However, surveillance footage showed she’d taken a ride share from the parking lot on Feb. 5 after shopping, leaving her vehicle behind. She was later located and taken into custody. A review of her phone showed that she’d wiped the device just two minutes before she was taken into custody, according to the warrant.

She invoked her right to remain silent and declined to speak with investigators. 

 reached out to her attorney, but did not receive an immediate reply. She is currently being held at the Escambia County Jail without bond and is expected to appear in court for her docket day on May 19, prosecutors said.

Babysitter Faces Charges in Newborn’s Death, Attributes Incident to Her Toddler

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A 25-year-old woman from West Virginia, named Taylor Flint, has been charged in connection with the death of a newborn under her care last year. This tragic event took place last October.

Flint was taken into custody on Friday and faces charges of child neglect leading to death. The incident involved an 11-day-old infant who tragically died on October 25, 2025. This information was confirmed by the Mason County Prosecuting Attorney in a recent statement on social media.

According to the criminal complaint, the baby was transported to the hospital before law enforcement arrived at the scene. Medical records revealed the infant had sustained several traumatic injuries to the head, face, and hands, and was in significant medical distress, as reported by WOWK. Additionally, the child suffered from internal head injuries and skull fractures.

Despite medical efforts, the baby’s condition worsened, resulting in cardiac arrest and ultimately, death.

As reported by Law&Crime, Flint was caring for the newborn while his mother was still in the hospital due to complications from childbirth. On the night of October 25, Flint was also looking after her 3-year-old daughter. She recounted to police that she discovered the baby unresponsive after getting up in the night. Her daughter was found hiding in a corner of the bedroom, and Flint suspected the toddler had struck the infant with a jar of petroleum jelly.

The complaint said that Flint claimed to have seen her daughter hit, scratch and bite the boy in order to get attention. She claimed she had to be careful with the girl around the baby because of her anger and “undiagnosed neurological disorders.”

Flint was given a $100,000 bond at her arraignment and remains in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing.

New Court Filing Reveals Discrepancy in Ballistics Evidence in Charlie Kirk Case: Bullet Does Not Match Suspect Tyler Robinson’s Alleged Rifle

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A surprising new court document reveals that the bullet responsible for the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk does not correspond with the rifle allegedly used by the accused, Tyler Robinson.

Robinson, aged 22, faces charges of capital murder and could be sentenced to death for the murder of Kirk, which occurred at Utah Valley University on September 10.

However, his defense team contends that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) could not match the bullet found during the autopsy to the rifle linked to Robinson.

In light of this, they plan to present the ATF firearm analyst’s testimony as evidence in Robinson’s favor. This development was included in a motion filed last Friday, requesting a delay of at least six months for the preliminary hearing, according to reports from Fox News.

The motion also highlights that DNA reports from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and ATF require thorough examination by the defense, as multiple DNA profiles were identified on certain pieces of evidence.

‘As these cases indicate, determining the number of contributors to a DNA mixture and determining whether the FBI and the ATF reliably applied validated and correct scientific procedures… is a complicated process which requires the assistance of various types of experts, including forensic biologists, geneticists, system engineers and statisticians, all of whom must review and evaluate’ several different categories, the filing states, according to Deseret News. 

Robinson’s attorneys added that they have received about 20,000 electronic audio files, videos and written documents that prosecutors have presented as evidence in the case.

Attorneys representing accused gunman Tyler Robinson, 22 (pictured in December) claimed the bullet that was used to kill conservative commentator Charlie Kirk did not match the rifle he allegedly used

Attorneys representing accused gunman Tyler Robinson, 22 (pictured in December) claimed the bullet that was used to kill conservative commentator Charlie Kirk did not match the rifle he allegedly used

Kirk, 31, was shot dead as he visited Utah Valley University on September 10

Kirk, 31, was shot dead as he visited Utah Valley University on September 10

‘The defense team has devoted, and will continue to devote, significant resources, to processing discovery, including identifying materials not yet received to inform readiness for the preliminary hearing,’ the filing states.

‘However, the defense team is realistic and the comprehensive review required to determine what is missing will take hundreds of hours.’

‘What is known at present is that Mr Robinson has not yet received the forensic case files and data necessary to investigate, through the use of qualified experts, the scientific reports the state intends to introduce at the preliminary hearing,’ the attorneys continued.

Defense attorneys and prosecutors had previously met on March 12.

Based on that meeting, the defense said in the motion it believes prosecutors will introduce ‘discrete “buckets” of evidence through three identified law enforcement witnesses at the preliminary hearing.

‘This includes a conclusory forensic DNA and ballistic reports authored by the FBI and the ATF, social media data, testimony by law enforcement officers about the crime scene and search locations, and testimony by Mr Robinson’s parents and roommate’ as well as ‘a significant amount of hearsay’ from ‘non-testifying peace officers.’ 

Prosecutors have alleged Robinson drove three hours from his home to the university campus to kill Kirk, 31.

Prosecutors have alleged Robinson drove three hours from his home to the university campus to kill Kirk

Prosecutors have alleged Robinson drove three hours from his home to the university campus to kill Kirk

He was turned over to police by his father, Matt Robinson (pictured center), after his son allegedly confessed to the crime

He was turned over to police by his father, Matt Robinson (pictured center), after his son allegedly confessed to the crime 

Matt said he recognized his own father's rifle in the images released by police amid the manhunt for Kirk's assassin

Matt said he recognized his own father’s rifle in the images released by police amid the manhunt for Kirk’s assassin

He was turned over to authorities by his father, Matt, after he recognized his own dad’s rifle in the images released by police amid a manhunt for Kirk’s assassin.

Tyler’s grandfather had given him the rifle as a gift before he used it to kill Kirk, authorities have said. 

After then recognizing the ‘unique’ gun, Matt texted his son, asking him for a picture of the family heirloom, which the suspect could not provide, according to police.

In a text exchanged between Tyler Robinson and his roommate and partner, Lance Twiggs, the alleged killer claimed the rifle was the only evidence he left behind, court documents show.

‘If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they have moved on,’ he allegedly wrote. ‘I haven’t seen anything about them finding it.’

Robinson also reportedly wrote about planning to get the weapon from his ‘drop point,’ but that the area was ‘locked down.’

‘I’m wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got to my vehicle,’ he continued.

‘I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpas rifle… idek [I don’t even know] if it had a serial number, but it wouldn’t trace to me. I worry about prints I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. didn’t have the ability or time to bring it with.

Robinson allegedly claimed in a text message that he left behind the rifle

Robinson allegedly claimed in a text message that he left behind the rifle

The text was sent to Robinson's roommate and suspected lover, Lance Twiggs (pictured)

The text was sent to Robinson’s roommate and suspected lover, Lance Twiggs (pictured) 

The alleged killer then expressed concern that his father would ask to see the gun. 

‘I might have to abandon it and hope they don’t find prints. how the f*** will I explain losing it to my old man… only thing I left was the rifle wrapped in a towel,’ he wrote. 

Robinson signed off the fateful text exchange by warning his partner Lance Twiggs to delete their messages, and said his father was trying to call him about his grandfather’s rifle.

He ultimately allegedly confessed to committing the murder to his father, who then contacted authorities and secured his son before he could be taken into custody.

Robinson’s arrest shocked his friends, who told the Washington Post that even though the accused murderer would ‘joke’ about Republican politicians ‘catching a bullet’ during drunk tirades, they saw no indication he was violent.

Those in his inner circle have identified him as having been radicalized by left-wing extremists, but claimed he provided no indication that he would kill Kirk.

‘He loved his guns, he loved his beer, he hated the government. That’s the impression that I got,’ a friend who regularly played card games with Robinson and his housemates told the Post. 

The friend claimed that Robinson openly opposed Democrat and Republican politicians and though he was registered to vote, was not affiliated with any party.

Robinson is now due back in court on April 17, when his defense attorneys and prosecutors will debate the issue of allowing cameras and microphones in the courtroom

Robinson is now due back in court on April 17, when his defense attorneys and prosecutors will debate the issue of allowing cameras and microphones in the courtroom

Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, has called for transparency in the case

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has called for transparency in the case 

Robinson is now due back in court on April 17, when his defense attorneys and prosecutors will debate the issue of allowing cameras and microphones in the courtroom.

His attorneys have previously noted that pretrial publicity reached as far as the White House, with President Donald Trump saying shortly after Robinson’s arrest that he hopes ‘he gets the death penalty.’

They are now expected to show evidence at the hearing they believe contains ‘harmful and prejudicial media coverage of this case thus far.’

But Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has called for full transparency in coverage of the trial, saying: ‘We deserve to have cameras in there’.

She also publicly forgave Robinson for allegedly killing her husband.

Federal Investigation Targets NYC Council Member and Hochul Aide Over Alleged Bribery in Migrant Shelter Case

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On March 19, a warrant was issued as part of an investigation into potential criminal activities involving Councilmember Farah Louis, a Democrat from Brooklyn, and Debbie Louis, who is the assistant secretary for New York City intergovernmental affairs under Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration.

The investigation also includes Edu Hermelyn, the spouse of state Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who is the chairperson of the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

Following the revelation of the federal corruption probe, a spokesperson for Governor Hochul confirmed that Debbie Louis was placed on administrative leave last week. Efforts to reach Louis for a comment were unsuccessful as a call to her listed number was abruptly disconnected when inquiries about the investigation were made.

Attempts to contact Farah Louis and Edu Hermelyn for their comments went unanswered, with voicemail messages not being returned.

The warrant, related to a phone linked to the case, indicates that prosecutors are investigating whether these individuals received any benefits in return for actions taken to support BHRAGS Home Care Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Brooklyn that offers home care services to sick and elderly individuals.

In 2022, as an influx of asylum seekers began arriving in the city, the nonprofit expanded its mission to include emergency shelters for migrants and other homeless services. Records show they have since received more than a dozen contracts, totaling over $200 million, from the Department of Homeless Services.

An attorney for the executive director of BHRAGS, Roberto Samedy, declined to comment.

The warrant also seeks records of money transfers and communications between the officials and Edouardo St. Fort, a former New York Police Department sergeant who retired in 2023

The same year, records show his security company, Fort NYC Security, received a $3 million contract from the Department of Homeless Services. An email and voice message left with St. Fort was not returned.

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn declined to comment.

The existence of a search warrant doesn’t necessarily indicate that prosecutors plan to bring criminal charges, only that investigators persuaded a magistrate judge to allow them to dig deeper and seize evidence.

As the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants overwhelmed New York City’s shelter system, the city’s former mayor, Eric Adams, oversaw the rapid roll out of a new emergency shelter network, inking lucrative contacts with service providers. Some of those contracts have come under scrutiny from financial watchdogs and critics of Adams.

Adams, a Democrat, was later indicted on unrelated federal charges of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources while he was Brooklyn’s borough president. Those charges were ultimately dropped by President Donald Trump’s Justice Department, which said the criminal case was distracting Adams from assisting with the president’s immigration crackdown.

Both the Louis sisters and Heremlyn are prominent fixtures within Brooklyn’s Democratic county committee, which has also faced a barrage of scandals in recent years.

Hermelyn briefly served as a senior advisor to Adams, but resigned over questions about whether his position as a Brooklyn district leader violated rules forbidding dual government roles.

He later advised Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in his failed mayoral bid.