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Super Bowl-Winning Coach Jon Gruden Joins Trump at Ohio Rally to Support Jon Husted

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Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden made an unexpected appearance at a Republican rally in Vandalia, Ohio, campaigning for incumbent U.S. Senator Jon Husted ahead of President Donald Trump’s address. The Super Bowl-winning coach spoke to supporters gathered at the event.

After Gruden left the stage, Trump highlighted his presence, telling the enthusiastic crowd, “We even have one of my favorite coaches in the whole world here, Jon Gruden.”

Trump and Gruden are already acquainted, having shared at least one round of golf in 2025, along with any other meetings they may have had.

“He’s a great coach and he’s a very good golfer too,” Trump said. “Right, Jon? We had a great time. He’s a great winner. He’s a winner.”

Trump, 80, was warmly received by his supporters, although his remarks generated a noticeably calmer response than Gruden’s high-energy speech earlier in the program.

“I came back for one reason,” Gruden declared. “I’m from Ohio. My mom and dad are from Cleveland. I was born in Sandusky and I went to the University of Dayton and I’m damn proud of it, man!”

Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, from left, Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and Jon Gruden applaud as President Donald Trump speaks during an event at Butler High School in Vandalia

Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, from left, Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and Jon Gruden applaud as President Donald Trump speaks during an event at Butler High School in Vandalia

President Donald Trump arrives to speak during an event at Butler High School on Saturday

President Donald Trump arrives to speak during an event at Butler High School on Saturday

Supporters inside Butler High School, located just north of Dayton, answered Gruden with loud cheers.

Gruden praised Husted not only as a friend but also as a former football standout. “Jon Husted is a lot more than my friend; he was a great player,” Gruden said, noting that Husted recorded 17 interceptions during his playing career. He credited the senator’s work ethic, commitment and mental toughness for his success, adding that Husted “will never quit on you or anybody.”

The crowd again responded with a powerful burst of applause.

“Let’s hear it for Husted,” Gruden urged.

Husted, a longtime conservative who has drawn criticism over his shifting position on Trump’s controversial tariffs, is facing populist Democrat Sherrod Brown in a closely watched U.S. Senate contest.

With the November 3 election approaching, Gruden encouraged the audience to support Husted at the ballot box and persuade friends and family to do the same.

“Before you know it, this election is over,” Gruden said. “But what we got to do is we got to do our part. Early voting starts Tuesday. Can we be there or not? Let’s be there! And I know you guys got a lot more friends than I do. Get your friends and get their friends and their friends and let’s get Husted back in action! Let’s go! Let’s go!”

Recent polling has shown Brown with an advantage over Husted, generally leading by between 3 and 4 percentage points.

Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (left) was also on hand

Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (left) was also on hand

Trump referred to Gruden as a good golfer and a 'winner' - a word he repeated several times

Trump praised Gruden as a talented golfer and a “winner,” repeating the description several times

Gruden’s conservative political views have become increasingly apparent over the years.

During his first period with the Oakland Raiders and his Super Bowl-winning run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gruden generally avoided political commentary. He took much the same approach while working as an ESPN analyst from 2009 through 2018.

What wasn’t known at the time was Gruden’s disdain for top Democrats like President Barack Obama and his Vice President, Joe Biden.

It wasn’t until after Gruden’s 2018 return to the Raiders that these beliefs were leaked to the New York Times and Wall Street Journal in a series of emails he’d sent to Washington Redskins executive Bruce Allen, the brother of Republican former Virginia Governor and Senator, George Allen.

When those emails did surface in 2021, they also contained Gruden’s racist comments about then-NFL union chief DeMaurice Smith, who is black, as well as homophobic attacks on commissioner Roger Goodell.

Although Gruden would ultimately step down as Raiders coach, he later sued the NFL and Goodell for $150 million, claiming the league leaked the emails to the Times and Journal. A league spokesman has denied the claim and a jury trial is scheduled to begin in May of 2027.

Teen accused of driving BMW into football fans pictured for the first time

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The 18-year-old driver accused of crashing a gold BMW into Newcastle Knights supporters, injuring 10 people, has appeared in court and will remain behind bars until next week.

NSW Police allege Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe was behind the wheel of the red P-plated luxury vehicle, which carried the personalised number plates “INDIKA”, when it struck the crowd. A five-year-old girl suffered critical injuries.

Handcuffed and wearing a Dove’s Home Cooked Food T-shirt, the teenager did not seek bail. It was formally refused during a brief hearing conducted from Newcastle Police Station.

His lawyers also asked the judge whether a warrant could be issued so Samarasinghe could undergo a health assessment in custody. The court heard the examination would likely include a review of his “mental health”.

Samarasinghe was discharged from hospital on Saturday and taken to Newcastle police station, where he was charged with nine offences and had his licence suspended.

Earlier, court records revealed that his licence had already been suspended in February.

He challenged the suspension in April but lost the appeal, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Police have charged Samarasinghe with three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, three counts of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and three counts of causing bodily harm by misconduct in charge of a motor vehicle.

Teenage driver Indika Samarasinghe appeared briefly in court, handcuffed, and did not apply for bail on the nine charges

Teenager Indika Samarasinghe made a brief court appearance in handcuffs and did not apply for bail on the nine charges

Police alleged 18-year-old Indika Samarasinghe was the driver of the red P-plated gold BMW which ploughed into the crowds of Knights fans waving off the team on Saturday

Police allege 18-year-old Indika Samarasinghe was driving the red P-plated gold BMW that struck crowds of Knights supporters waving off the team on Saturday

The teenage driver who allegedly ploughed his gold BMW into a crowd of footy fans cheering on the Newcastle Knights, injuring ten, has been identified as 18-year-old Indika Samarasinghe

Indika Samarasinghe, 18, has been identified as the teenage driver accused of crashing his gold BMW into Newcastle Knights fans, injuring 10 people

Prosecutors told the bail court on Sunday that the first charge carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

While he remained in custody, angry members of the public posted messages on Samarasinghe’s TikTok account condemning the alleged incident.

Friends or supporters responded to the criticism, arguing that people were “acting like he meant it … he was doing a burnout while 100s of people stood on the side of the road”.

The crash happened on Saturday morning as Knights supporters gathered to wave off the team bus before the NRL Grand Final in Newcastle, north of Sydney. Police allege the vehicle struck people in the crowd.

Emergency crews were called to the Newcastle Link Road roundabout on Transfield Avenue at about 9.30am after reports that a vehicle had hit people on the pavement following alleged erratic driving.

Samarasinghe was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Of the 10 people injured, the five-year-old girl remains in a critical but stable condition in an induced coma.

Newcastle mayor Gavin Morris said on Instagram that “our thoughts remain with those who were hurt or injured in yesterday’s incident”, while specifically expressing concern for “our little girl”.

“She’s had a very tough time, she is now in a stable condition,” he said. “Our thoughts are with her, and her mother is still in hospital as well.”

Among the ten injured, the five-year-old girl is in a critical but stable condition in an induced coma

The five-year-old girl is among 10 people injured and remains in a critical but stable condition in an induced coma

Ashleigh Gibbs, who is understood to be a relative of the child, has launched a GoFundMe to help support the child, along with her mother who was also injured in the crash.

‘A beautiful five-year-old child is currently in an induced coma after suffering serious injuries and has already required multiple operations,’ she wrote.

‘Their mum was also seriously injured and will require multiple operations and a long period of recovery.

‘Both mum and child now have a long road ahead of them, with ongoing surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation and recovery.

‘Sadly, because of the severity of their injuries, mum will not be able to work for some time, placing enormous financial pressure on the family while they focus on healing and being there for each other.’ 

Ms Gibbs said funds would go towards medical bills, everyday costs, travel and other unexpected expenses.

‘Our biggest hope is that this family can focus on what matters most – getting through each day, supporting their little one, and recovering together – without having to worry about how they will manage financially,’ she wrote.

A 67-year-old man was also in a critical condition but police confirmed that has been downgraded to a serious but stable condition.

Indika Samarasinghe will next appear in Newcastle Local Court on October 15.  

Ryan Seacrest, 51, Flaunts Six-Pack in Shirtless Thirst Trap

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Ryan Seacrest showcased his defined six-pack in a shirtless Instagram photo that quickly drew attention over the weekend.

The 51-year-old television personality, who is preparing to host the 25th season of American Idol, shared the image on Saturday while enjoying the sunshine at the beach.

The post arrives after Seacrest’s noticeably lean appearance and changing look prompted concern among some fans in recent months.

In the photo, Seacrest went shirtless and showed off his toned physique during a relaxed bike ride, pairing black shorts with his casual look.

A second image showed the star outdoors at night as he paused to admire the bright moon.

“This is what a day off looks like from start to finish. Go dawgs @georgiafootball,” he wrote in the caption.

Ryan Seacrest, 51, put his ripped six-pack abs on display as he posed for a thirst trap which was shared to Instagram over the weekend; seen in September in Las Vegas

Ryan Seacrest, 51, displayed his defined six-pack in a weekend Instagram post; he was seen in September in Las Vegas

Seacrest could be seen posing shirtless to unveil his toned physique while donning a pair of black shorts on a lowkey bike ride

Seacrest revealed his toned physique while riding a bike in black shorts

In the caption of the post, he penned: 'This is what a day off looks like from start to finish. Go dawgs @georgiafootball'

“This is what a day off looks like from start to finish. Go dawgs @georgiafootball,” Seacrest wrote

Daily Mail has contacted Seacrest’s representatives for comment but has not received a response.

Fans and fellow celebrities quickly filled the comments, with Diplo joking, “ryan relax!!!”

“Let’s gooo!!! Shredded,” Dancing With the Stars professional Gleb Savchenko wrote, while another user commented, “Sir!! This physique is INSANEEEE!”

“Alright Ryan! Showing the world us 40+ guys still got it!” another fan added.

The television host has previously given followers a look at his workout routine, sharing a fitness video on his main Instagram account last month.

The clip showed Seacrest lifting weights beside a sandy shoreline, with more weights placed nearby.

In January, fans also expressed concern about Seacrest’s appearance after he congratulated his Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White on her surprise wedding.

White revealed the news during an episode of the popular game show alongside Seacrest.

Another slide captured him taking in the bright moon as he continued to spend time outdoors at night

Another image showed Seacrest enjoying the bright moon during an evening outdoors

The star recently offered a glimpse into his fitness regime by sharing a clip to his main Instagram page last month

Last month, Seacrest shared a video offering followers a glimpse of his weight-training routine

Earlier this year in January, the media personality sparked fan concern over his appearance as he congratulated Wheel Of Fortune co-host Vanna White on her surprise wedding

In January, fans voiced concern about Seacrest’s appearance as he congratulated Vanna White on her surprise wedding

In a reel uploaded to Instagram at the time, he happily congratulated White on set of the show, but some social media users jumped to X to note that he seemingly looked thinner. 

One wrote, ‘That’s Ryan Seacrest??? No way. Absolutely no way,’ while another had typed, ‘Wow, Ryan Seacrest looks….different.’ 

An X user questioned, ‘Why are so many people in Hollywood suddenly starting to look like this?’

A few months later in May, fans were also left baffled by his different look while attending a charity event in Los Angeles. 

Some commented on footage as Seacrest took time to have a conversation with PauseRewind during the festivities. 

One shared, ‘Tf happened to his face,’ while another wrote, ‘did he get a lash lift.’ 

A social media user also commented, ‘Can we all just start aging naturally pls,’ while one added, ‘His face makes me feel uncomfortable.’

Seacrest was confirmed last week to be returning as host of American Idol for the show’s 25th season which is set to air on ABC next year in 2027. 

Lionel Richie is also set to return to the singing competition series alongside judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.

The major update was shared during the Luke Bryan & Friends concert in Nashville last week, with the moment later being uploaded to Instagram.

Underwood and Bryan were seen on stage together while addressing the crowd before Richie appeared in a video via a large screen behind the duo.

A few months later in May, fans were also left baffled by his different look while attending a charity event in Los Angeles (seen above)

A few months later in May, fans were also left baffled by his different look while attending a charity event in Los Angeles (seen above)

Seacrest was confirmed last week to be returning as host of American Idol for the show's 25th season which is set to air on ABC next year in 2027; seen in September in Las Vegas

Seacrest was confirmed last week to be returning as host of American Idol for the show’s 25th season which is set to air on ABC next year in 2027; seen in September in Las Vegas 

It was revealed earlier this month that the show's production will be relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta, per Deadline; seen on American Idol in April

It was revealed earlier this month that the show’s production will be relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta, per Deadline; seen on American Idol in April 

‘Hello, Nashville!’ Richie called out as the audience inside the Bridgestone Arena erupted into cheers and applause. He then asked Underwood and Bryan if they could share their ‘secret.’

As Underwood filmed a selfie video on stage, Bryan shared, ‘I’m so surprised that I’ve been able to keep this a secret. Are you ready, Carrie?’

After the songstress said she was, Bryan excitedly announced, ‘We’re coming back for the 25th season of American Idol!’

The pair paused as the crowd broke into cheers while the camera panned to the fans inside the venue.

‘And of course, what would American Idol be without Mr. Ryan Seacrest. He will be back as well,’ Underwood added.

Bryan cut in to say ‘Go tell someone to audition! It’s gonna be legendary right?’ which prompted the Before He Cheats singer to yell out, ‘Legendary!’

It was revealed earlier this month that the show’s production will be relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta, per Deadline.

‘It’s super cool,’ Seacrest said of the show’s move to Atlanta while talking to Entertainment Tonight. ‘It’s convenient for Luke [Bryan] and Carrie [Underwood], right? Not too far. Lionel [Richie] and I will be zigzagging a little bit.’ 

4 Teens Arrested in Nashville Student’s Fatal Shooting After Game

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Four teenagers have been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting that killed a Tennessee high school student after a football game in late August.

The arrests came exactly six weeks after 16-year-old Cameron Frierson was fatally shot in front of his younger brother, Chris. The siblings had attended a football game at Pearl-Cohn High School in Nashville on Aug. 21, police said.

Jon’quavous Johns-Collins, 18, Marcelle Stem Jr., 17, Lil Tay Webster, 17, and Zachkeius Brown, 16, each face charges of criminal homicide and criminal conspiracy, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department announced Friday.

During Friday’s court appearance, Cameron’s mother, Brittany Frierson, came face-to-face with one of the teens accused in her son’s killing. She warned all four suspects that they “will see my face at every court hearing.”

“I don’t care how long it takes. I’m going to be here every day,” the grieving mother told local ABC affiliate WKRN-TV.

Police said the four teens were inside a vehicle when “multiple shots were fired” at about 10:30 p.m. on the night of the shooting.

Cameron, a junior at Hunters Lane High School, was struck by the gunfire. Responding officers found him suffering from several gunshot wounds.

He was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Cameron’s younger brother was not injured in the shooting.

Authorities said the motive remained under investigation.

Witnesses told investigators that the shots came from a white sedan with tinted windows, according to WKRN-TV.

All four suspects were under 18 when the shooting occurred and were charged in juvenile court, according to a police department news release.

The court hearing was an emotional but important moment for Cameron’s mother. Despite her grief, she said she was “thankful that my son is going to get the justice that he deserves because he didn’t deserve this.”

“He was mine, and you didn’t have a right to take him from me,” Brittany Frierson said.

Frierson said she has sympathy for the difficult circumstances some of the arrested teens may have faced while growing up, but she stressed that their backgrounds do not excuse the alleged attack.

“I feel a lot of empathy for them because I know what type of background they came from, and I know they probably didn’t have the easiest route, but that doesn’t give them the right to hurt somebody else,” she told the outlet.

“My son did nothing to them,” she said. Frierson added that “if it wasn’t Cameron, it would have been somebody that night because they already had it in their heads. That’s what they wanted to do.”

She also urged adults to take greater responsibility for young people, saying, “we have to do better with our kids.” The teens, she said, were “obviously hurting bad enough where they felt the need to go out and hurt someone else.”

“It starts at home,” Frierson emphasized.

Mayor Andy Burnham Drops Controversial Plans to Curb Jury Trials

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Andy Burnham has abandoned the Government’s disputed proposals to restrict the use of jury trials.

The Prime Minister reversed the policy, first brought forward under former premier Sir Keir Starmer, which was intended to ease the severe backlog facing courts across the UK.

Under the revised approach, only selected fraud and other financial cases will be eligible to be tried by a judge alone, without a jury, the Ministry of Justice said.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris said he had decided to “change course” after taking into account the “strength and feeling” expressed against the proposals.

Labour MPs on the backbenches, opposition parties and leading barristers had all raised concerns about fairness. Critics also questioned whether removing juries would genuinely reduce the huge number of outstanding cases.

Barrister Karl Turner, who lost the Labour Whip earlier this year after speaking out against the plans, welcomed the decision to drop the legislation.

He also thanked Mr Burnham “for his support during my campaign”.

Mr Turner, the outspoken MP for Kingston upon Hull East since 2010, said he had held direct discussions with the Justice Secretary about the proposals in recent weeks.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham applauds at the end of Britain's Labour Party's annual conference

Prime Minister Andy Burnham applauds at the close of the Labour Party’s annual conference

Pictured: Outspoken barrister and MP for Kingston upon Hull East Karl Turner

Outspoken barrister and Kingston upon Hull East MP Karl Turner

Reacting to the Government’s decision, Mr Turner said: “I strongly welcome the fact that the new Justice Secretary, Alex Norris, has rightly binned the unworkable plans to curtail jury trials pursued under the previous Labour prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer.”

The Hull East MP said he would continue urging ministers to uphold the public’s right to a fair trial.

“This is an important step, but the fight to protect access to justice and ensure justice is properly served for both victims and the accused does not end here.”

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy had been a leading supporter of limiting jury trials, but the proposed legislation faced intense opposition in Parliament.

Mr Lammy previously argued that the reforms were “desperately needed” to stop victims enduring what he described as “agonising delays”.

Ministry of Justice figures recorded 80,829 cases waiting to be heard in court at the end of June. The backlog has doubled since 2020.

Under Mr Lammy’s proposed Courts and Tribunals Bill, jury trials in England and Wales would have been reserved for cases expected to result in sentences of at least three years, including offences such as murder and rape.

Cases carrying a likely sentence of three years or less would instead have been heard by a single Crown Court judge, without a jury.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris leaving Westminster Abbey after attending the annual Judges Service on October 1

Justice Secretary Alex Norris leaves Westminster Abbey after attending the annual Judges Service on October 1

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy speaking about criminal court reform last year

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy discusses criminal court reform last year

Mr Norris insisted that scrapping the proposal would allow the Government to reduce the backlog faster, as it would require less structural change.

The Ministry of Justice also announced that criminals accused of ‘relatively minor crimes’ will lose the right to choose a Crown Court jury trial over a Magistrates’ Court hearing.

This change would give courts the final say on where and how the ‘either-way’ offences are dealt with in the legal system. 

The Justice Secretary said: ‘This Government inherited criminal courts on the brink of collapse, with victims waiting years for their day in court.

‘I remain committed to bringing down the backlog and delivering swifter justice for those who so desperately need it.

‘But I have heard the strength of feeling on the proposals for increasing the number of judge-alone trials in the crown court and have made the decision to change course.

Mr Norris added that the cancelled plans will mean victims do not have to endlessly wait for justice. 

‘Justice delayed is justice denied, and I am committed to maximising efficiencies in our system alongside record investment. 

‘I remain committed to structural reform which is crucial if we are to bring down the backlog.’

The changes will be made to the Courts and Tribunals Bill, when it is back on the agenda in Parliament later this month.  

Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy said: ‘This is a major victory for everyone who fought to defend trial by jury, and Conservatives led that fight from day one. 

‘Labour have been forced to abandon its central attack on jury trials in the Crown Court.

‘Labour are restricting juries by the back door, scrapping the right to elect one and dumping those cases on magistrates whose backlog is at a record high.’

The proposed reforms were a response to recommendations made by Sir Brian Leveson to overhaul the courts system.

In his review, the former senior judge found there is ‘no constitutional or common law’ right, or right within European human rights law, for a defendant to be tried by a jury, and so there was no need to limit reforms because of this. 

Do YOU have a story? Email Joshua.Haining@dailymail.co.uk

Teen Accused of Driving BMW Into Footy Fans Had Licence Suspended

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An 18-year-old P-plate driver who allegedly crashed his gold BMW into a group of Newcastle Knights fans, injuring 10 people, had previously had his licence suspended.

NSW Police confirmed late on Saturday that Indika Bambrick Samarasinghe had been discharged from hospital and taken to a police station, where he was charged with nine offences.

The charges include three counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, three counts of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and three counts of causing bodily harm by misconduct in charge of a motor vehicle.

Samarasinghe is due to appear at a bail hearing on Sunday. Court records have also revealed that his licence was suspended in February.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, he unsuccessfully challenged the suspension in April.

The crash happened on Saturday morning as crowds of Knights supporters gathered to wave off the team bus before the NRL Grand Final in Newcastle, north of Sydney.

Emergency services were called to the Newcastle Link Road roundabout on Transfield Avenue at about 9.30am after reports that a vehicle had struck people on the pavement following allegations it had been driven erratically.

The driver was arrested at the scene before being taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

An 18-year-old man who allegedly ploughed his gold BMW into a crowd of footy fans cheering on the Newcastle Knights, injuring ten, has been charged

An 18-year-old man has been charged after his gold BMW allegedly ploughed into Newcastle Knights fans, injuring 10 people

Pictured is the BMW that allegedly crashed into ten footy fans waving off the Knights

The BMW allegedly crashed into 10 fans gathered to wave off the Knights

Among those injured was a five-year-old girl who remains in a critical but stable condition in an induced coma.

Ashleigh Gibbs, understood to be a relative of the girl, has started a GoFundMe campaign to support the child and her mother, who was also injured in the crash.

‘A beautiful five-year-old child is currently in an induced coma after suffering serious injuries and has already required multiple operations,’ Ms Gibbs wrote.

‘Their mum was also seriously injured and will require multiple operations and a long period of recovery.

‘Both mum and child now have a long road ahead of them, with ongoing surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation and recovery.

‘Sadly, because of the severity of their injuries, mum will not be able to work for some time, placing enormous financial pressure on the family while they focus on healing and being there for each other.’

Ms Gibbs said the money raised would help cover medical bills, daily living costs, travel and other unexpected expenses.

‘Our biggest hope is that this family can focus on what matters most – getting through each day, supporting their little one, and recovering together – without having to worry about how they will manage financially,’ she wrote.

A 67-year-old man was also initially in a critical condition, but police later confirmed his condition had improved to serious but stable.

Ten people were injured in the crash. Three have since been discharged from hospital

Ten people were injured in the crash, with three later discharged from hospital

Emergency services were called to the scene in Newcastle on Saturday morning

Emergency services were called to the scene in Newcastle on Saturday morning

Four others, a girl, two, another girl, five, a woman, 31, and a man, 48, remain in hospital in stable conditions.

Three men aged between 24 and 27, along with a 63-year-old woman have been discharged from hospital.

Two teenage passengers in the driver’s car were not injured. 

One of the injured, Knights fan Chris Clancy, shared a photo of himself in hospital to Instagram on Saturday night, revealing he’d suffered a broken collarbone. 

‘Just letting you know myself, Tom and Matt were injured in the accident with the Newcastle supporters this morning,’ he wrote.

‘Tom has a graze on his left elbow but has been discharged all ready to go to the grand final tomorrow. Matt is still under observation but will more than likely be discharged soon with a graze and bit of bruising on his back.

‘I have a broken left collarbone which requires surgery and may have a possible sprained or broken right foot. UP THE KNIGHTS.’

Various Newcastle stars such as captain Kalyn Ponga wished him well in the comments. 

One of the injured, Knights fan Chris Clancy, shared a photo of himself in hospital to Instagram on Saturday night, revealing he'd suffered a broken collarbone

One of the injured, Knights fan Chris Clancy, shared a photo of himself in hospital to Instagram on Saturday night, revealing he’d suffered a broken collarbone

Newcastle Lord Mayor Gavin Morris confirmed the P-plater was a Knights supporter who had attended the celebration along with tens of thousands of people. 

‘He was excited. He was a supporter,’ he told ABC News.

‘He was there for the joy of the moment as well. And somehow, yes, he has (allegedly) lost control of the car.’

The incident impacted the planned route of the Newcastle Knights Grand Final procession, which was diverted via an alternate route.

A video circulating on social media captured the moment the driver was arrested, with onlookers heard shouting insults at the teenager. 

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said two passengers in the gold BMW had to be removed from the scene due to the brewing anger from the crowd.

‘There were two other persons in the car. We had [to get] them out of there because the crowd did turn on them,’ he said. 

‘We have taken that male [driver] for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.’ 

Fans had gathered to farewell the Knights on Saturday as they set off for the NRL Grand Final

Fans had gathered to farewell the Knights on Saturday as they set off for the NRL Grand Final

Assistant Commissioner Waddell said there was a ‘fair bit of angst’ from bystanders but added some Good Samaritans helped provide first aid and even CPR to those who were injured.

When asked whether witnesses reached the driver before police, Assistant Commissioner Waddell said the crowd ‘came forward’ and detectives would investigate ‘any other offences that may have been committed’.

The Newcastle Knights addressed the incident in a statement on social media, saying: ‘We apologise to anybody who was waiting and missed the bus, but public safety is our priority.’

A representative for the club then addressed reporters early on Saturday afternoon.

‘The thoughts of everyone at our club are with those that are impacted by this event, [with] their families, and also those [who] are on scene,’ he said.

‘Respectfully, now, this is a matter for NSW Police so, at this stage, the club can make no further comment.’

Knights star Kalyn Ponga shared a heartfelt post on social media addressed to the Newcastle community.

‘We’re thinking of you, your families and everyone in our Newcastle community. Sending our love and support,’ he said.

The incident impacted the planned route of the Newcastle Knights Grand Final procession

The incident impacted the planned route of the Newcastle Knights Grand Final procession

Emergency services were called to the Newcastle Link Road roundabout on Transfield Avenue at about 9.30am

Emergency services were called to the Newcastle Link Road roundabout on Transfield Avenue at about 9.30am 

The sentiment was echoed by his teammate, Dane Gagai, who said: ‘Our hearts go out to the families impacted by this situation. Thoughts and prayers are with you.’

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley had a tough message about public safety on the roads after the crash, which she called a ‘preventable tragedy’ after a ‘split second decision’.

‘We knew that people would be out celebrating the wonderful achievements of the Newcastle Knights and we set out warnings about driver behaviour and how important driver behaviour is,’ she said.

‘It is an absolute tragedy, a tragedy that needn’t have happened, a tragedy that was preventable.’

Following the news, messages of support were shared from politicians in both NSW and federal government.

Premier Chris Minns urged fans travelling to Sydney for the game to take care on the roads. 

‘It’s heartbreaking to see fans who were sending off their grand final team involved in such a terrible incident,’ he said.

‘My thoughts are with the families and friends of loved ones who have been involved or injured in the crash. I also want to thank emergency services, including police and ambulance, who are responding to this tragedy.

An investigation is underway

An investigation is underway 

‘We’ve seen how this grand final has brought Newcastle together, and I hope the whole community remains united as we continue to respond.’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoken out, saying he had discussed the incident with Minns and expressed his concern for ‘everyone injured or involved in the horrible incident’.

‘Rugby league brings people together, and this should have been a weekend of excitement and pride for Newcastle fans,’ he added.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor also addressed the ‘devastating’ news.

‘On what should have been a happy community occasion for Newcastle, our thoughts are with the injured, and those assisting at the scene,’ he said.

Police said investigations are continuing. 

Rain Chances Remain High in the Forecast

Flooding concerns possible into next week.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida will remain locked in an unsettled weather pattern, keeping rain chances elevated throughout the upcoming work week.

Sunday

Sunday’s forecast will closely resemble Saturday’s as the overall atmospheric pattern changes little. Most areas will start the day dry under partly sunny to mostly cloudy skies, with generally dry conditions continuing through midday. By mid-afternoon, the sea breeze should trigger scattered showers and thunderstorms along the I-4 corridor. Much like Saturday, those storms will gradually drift north and west, with the highest rain chances across the Orlando metro area and northwest toward Ocala. Afternoon temperatures will reach the low 90s.

Next Week

A dip in the upper-level pattern will help push a cold front into northern Florida early next week. Ahead of the front, abundant moisture will stream into Central Florida, supplying the fuel for numerous showers and thunderstorms. The boundary is expected to slowly move south and remain near Central Florida through Thursday, bringing widespread rain chances throughout the work week. Forecast models currently indicate a potential 3-5″ of rain across the area by the end of next week. As rainfall accumulates, minor flooding could develop in low-lying locations by the middle of the week.


Fever Star Kelsey Mitchell Takes Aim at Caitlin Clark’s Fans

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Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell said she must take a “selfish” approach to her future, appearing to criticize sections of the team’s own fanbase in the process.

Indiana’s season ended abruptly Thursday night, when the Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs after losing Game 3 to the Las Vegas Aces.

With the Fever’s 2026 campaign now over, Mitchell is heading toward unrestricted free agency after producing the best season of her career.

General manager Amber Cox and head coach Stephanie White both said Saturday that keeping Mitchell in Indiana was a major priority. The four-time All-Star, however, suggested that securing her return may prove difficult.

Mitchell explained that she would have to put her own needs first when weighing her free-agency options, with her experience of the Fever fanbase potentially playing a significant role in that decision.

“I have to be selfish,” Mitchell said during her end-of-season media availability Saturday. “I think that’s where I am in my career … what I probably need and what’s probably best for me. So I have to be selfish in that room.”

Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell claimed that she has to be 'selfish' about her future

Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell said she must take a selfish approach to her future

Caitlin Clark and the Fever crashed out of the WNBA playoffs in the first round on Thursday

Caitlin Clark and the Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs in the first round Thursday

“But ultimately, being on the Fever and being part of an organization that comes with a lot of ups and downs, what factors in and what’s important to me is obviously having good chemistry on and off the floor. I’ve only been with one team my entire career, so I’m figuring all of this out. It’s hard, man.”

She continued: “There’s a lot to hash out. I just think I’ve got to be a little selfish about where my career is going in terms of the things that become important as I get older, whether that’s winning or my own individual success. I worked my tail off to be here, though, man. So whatever I do, it’s going to come from a selfish standpoint. I’ll be honest about that.”

Mitchell delivered a career-best campaign, setting WNBA single-season records for points scored and three-point field goals made.

Her backcourt partnership with Caitlin Clark also became a crucial part of the Fever’s success throughout the season.

Although Mitchell acknowledged that playing alongside Clark will be an important consideration, she also indicated that the intense attention surrounding Clark’s supporters could make a return to Indiana less appealing.

“Showing up every day to compete for fans who may or may not like you is hard,” Mitchell said Saturday. “… I think this organization is unbelievable, man, but when it comes to really trying to be yourself, it hasn’t always been easy.”

“I don’t think people really understand how much we endure,” Mitchell added. “If I showed you all my DMs about the hate and everything that comes with being a professional athlete, but specifically being an Indiana Fever basketball player, it’s a lot. Those days are hard as hell, man.”

“Playing with [Clark] and having the eyes that she has on her, we get a lot of flak simply because we’re on her team.”

Mitchell admitted that playing alongside Clark will be a key factor in her decision-making

Mitchell acknowledged that her partnership with Clark will influence her free-agency decision

The Fever were frequently at the center of league headlines this season, forcing the players to deal with sustained attention and outside pressure.

Supporters were repeatedly angered by incidents involving physical play against Clark, with many believing officials failed to make calls in favor of the star. Those moments often prompted fans to accuse the league of not doing enough to protect its superstar.

Sophie Cunningham also triggered controversy with remarks about “protecting young girls” in sports, drawing the WNBA into a wider debate over transgender athletes.

Most recently, the Fever’s fans were back in the spotlight after Aces star A’ja Wilson was caught in a heated exchange with one during Game 2. 

Wilson was seen storming towards a fan who was seated in the second row, pointing at him and shouting, ‘You don’t point at me,’ towards him during the fourth quarter of the game.

Critics Question New York AG Letitia James’ Impartiality in Probe of ‘Cornell 7’ Fraternity Members

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New York Attorney General Letitia James is too political, biased and unethical to conduct a fair investigation into seven Cornell University fraternity members accused of raping a female classmate, elected officials and other critics told The Post.

Critics point to James’ social media expression of sympathy for the accuser days before Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed her Friday as special prosecutor in the escalating scandal. James has declined to comment on accusations that her prior remarks raise questions about her impartiality.

Rensselaer County Executive Steven McLaughlin, whom James indicted in 2021 on grand larceny and election fraud charges before a jury acquitted him, said the “Cornell Seven” should “expect the worst.” He called his own case evidence that the Democratic attorney general is “anything but impartial.”

“She’s clearly engaged in targeted persecutions and prosecutions,” the Republican official said. “She targeted me. She targeted the president.”

“In my case, she spent over $1 million trying to nail me over absolutely nothing. She is clearly engaged in targeted political hits. I don’t know all the facts of the case, but I am sure she is going to try and nail these guys rather than let justice prevail.”

McLaughlin joined a growing list of critics echoing President Trump, who said Friday that the Cornell Seven would not receive a “fair shake” with James overseeing the case because the attorney general is a “corrupt person.”

James secured a $454 million civil judgment against Trump’s business over allegations that it inflated the value of its assets. A state appeals court overturned that decision last year.

“Much like with the legal action she brought against the president, Attorney General Tish James appears to have already drawn her own conclusions about this incident, without gathering all the facts,” said City Councilman Frank Morano (R-Staten Island).

“I don’t know how anyone could expect her to be fair and objective.”

Council Minority Leader David Carr said James “has a well-documented history of making highly charged public statements about people she is investigating and prosecuting.”

“That is exactly the wrong background for a special prosecutor in a case where impartiality is everything,” said the Staten Island Republican.

“She was publicly characterizing this case before she was even appointed. The allegations deserve to be investigated aggressively, but the accused also deserve due process.”

Melissa DeRosa, a former senior aide to ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, also questioned the appointment. DeRosa has accused James of conducting an unfair sexual harassment investigation that contributed to the resignation of her Democratic boss in 2021.

“I think Kathy Hochul was trying to come up with a political solution to a media storm,” DeRosa said Friday on Fox and Friends.

“Tish James is known to be highly political. Her track record in general is highly political, and I would argue in this instance in particular you need to go the other way and make sure what is being done is not about headline grabbing and not about politics but true to the law.”

Joe Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said he has “zero faith” that James will use discretion and apply the law impartially in the investigation.

“I think an independent outsider should have been appointed to do this,” he said. “That Facebook post was ridiculous.”

Hochul’s office did not respond to messages Saturday, while James avoided questions about her role in the case during an unrelated event in the Bronx.

Hochul defended the appointment Friday, telling reporters she has “every confidence” in James “to do what she has always done: look at the facts, examine the record and draw the proper conclusions.”

“That’s exactly what’s going to happen in this case,” she said.

The case became national news when a “Jane Doe” defendant filed a lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court last month accusing seven fraternity brothers of raping her at the Cornell’s Phi Chi fraternity house in October 2024.

The 101-page lawsuit alleges the men plied her with alcohol and ketamine and subjected her to an hours-long sexual assault. 

While she was being assaulted, one of the men allegedly sent a message to a 50-person fraternity Snapchat group called “Chi Phi Actives,” declaring there was “free p–sy” in the house.

All of the Cornell Seven have denied wrongdoing.

Cornell conducted an internal probe at the time via the Title IX investigative process, which involved 12 hearings. Doe’s lawsuit claims her alleged attackers only got a slap on the wrist — with just two of the seven expelled from the university.

The case was never prosecuted further, and it was revealed that not all of Doe’s statements and evidence in the case were sent to the local prosecutor.

— Additional reporting by Tina Moore

Texas Senate Hopeful James Talarico Accepts Campaign Cash From LGBTQ Group

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Texas Senate candidate James Talarico held a fundraiser in Manhattan with hosts linked to an organization that supports access to gender-transition medications and surgery for minors, despite saying weeks earlier that he would support a federal ban on such surgeries.

During a Sept. 8 interview with Fox News, the Democratic Texas legislator—who is challenging Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in a closely watched November election—said he would vote for a nationwide prohibition on gender surgery for minors if elected to the Senate.

Talarico, 37, also said he had been “consistent on this issue.” He argued that his previous vote against a Texas proposal banning transgender surgeries for minors was based on his view that the bill was “overly broad.”

The apparent tension between those statements and his recent fundraising event drew criticism. According to TexasScoreCard.com, Tuesday’s Greenwich Village reception was hosted by three board members of the Human Rights Campaign or its foundation, an organization that advocates what it describes as “gender-affirming care” for transgender minors.

The event hosts were Morgan Cox, a member of the HRC board; author Andrew Solomon, who serves on the HRC Foundation Board of Directors; and former US Ambassador to Spain James Costos, who sits on the boards of both organizations, according to the fundraiser’s invitation.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ political advocacy and lobbying organization in the United States.

A guide published by the HRC Foundation says puberty blockers may be prescribed to adolescents and states that “some trans youth may benefit from gender-affirming surgery,” although it adds that such procedures are rarely available to people under 17.

The guide also includes a chart outlining what it calls the “Common Steps in Gender Transition.” Those steps include puberty blockers for “early- to mid-adolescents,” as well as cross-sex hormone treatment, including testosterone for biological females and estrogen combined with an androgen inhibitor for biological males.

The fundraiser’s ticket prices began at $1,000 for an individual and reached $13,500 for the top “Champion” level, according to the event listing.

Critics portrayed the event as another example of what they described as Talarico’s shifting positions, arguing that he was accepting financial support from HRC-linked figures while publicly distancing himself from gender surgery for minors.

“James Talarico will say anything to get elected; he will change his positions depending on who’s in the room,” said Madison Cercy, a spokeswoman for the Paxton campaign.

“No matter how much flip-flopping he may do, he will remain a radical Democrat who wrote a bill to eliminate the oil and gas industry, fought for passing a state income tax, and the moment he’s sworn in, he’ll begin pushing his radical trans agenda once again,” Cercy said.

“Most Texans believe protecting kids isn’t up for negotiation, and it certainly isn’t for sale at a Manhattan fundraiser,” she added.

Zach Kraft, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, likewise accused Talarico of frequently changing his positions.

“It is hard to keep track of what James Talarico claims to believe given that he flip flops,” Kraft said. “If you want to know how he will vote in the Senate, look at his record in the Legislature where he voted for taxpayer-funded sex changes for kids of any age and to allow men in women’s sports.”

In 2023, Talarico voted against a Texas House bill that later became law and barred gender surgery, puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors.

Two years earlier, he drew criticism from conservative constituents after saying on the Texas House floor that, under his interpretation of the Bible, “God is non-binary” and is “both masculine and feminine and everything in between.”

Talarico also voted repeatedly against legislation requiring athletes to compete according to their biological sex.

During his Fox News appearance, he attempted to clarify both the “God is non-binary” remark and his earlier statement that “modern science” recognizes six biological sexes.

“I was being provocative with that statement. I get that,” Talarico said. He explained that he meant human categories could not be used to define God, calling that position “not controversial theologically.”

Talarico spokesperson JT Ennis insisted any suggestion the Texas pol changed his position is “inaccurate.”

“As James has said, he opposes gender reassignment surgery for minors. At the same time, he’ll always stand against discrimination, especially when the most powerful politicians in the country bully students to score political points,” said Ennis.

“While Ken Paxton and his billionaire backers spread lies, James will continue bringing Texans together to solve problems, not grandstand them.”

The Greenwich Village fundraiser came a day after Talarico attended another NYC fundraiser, which was thrown by a host committee packed with donors and allies of far-left Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

That gala, which also raised money for Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown’s comeback bid to reclaim his former US Senate seat, was headlined and introduced by actor Robert De Niro.

Its host committee included controversial jeweler Alexis Bittar, a Mamdani fundraiser and transition bundler who also co-hosted a fundraiser last month for radical anti-Israel and Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed — who once referred to America as a “s–thole.”

The Paxton-Talarico race — which is considered a dead heat heading into the Nov. 3 midterm elections — is widely viewed as critical to determining which party secures the Senate majority.