Justice Department fires paralegal for ‘inappropriate’ conduct toward National Guard
Attorney General Pam Bondi fired another Department of Justice paralegal on Friday, this time for flipping off a member of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., on her way to work earlier this month.
Elizabeth Baxter of the department’s environmental division arrived for work just after 8:20 a.m. on Aug. 18 at the DOJ’s “4CON” building in the NoMa district, where she bragged to a security guard that she had just made the gesture at Metro Center Metro Stop and told the guardsman, “F–k the National Guard,” Bondi said, according to the New York Post.
“Today, I took action to terminate a DOJ employee for inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members in DC,” Bondi told the outlet.
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“This DOJ remains committed to defending President Trump’s agenda and fighting to make America safe again,” she continued. “If you oppose our mission and disrespect law enforcement — you will NO LONGER work at DOJ.”
Later that day, Baxter was seen on DOJ security footage sticking up her middle finger at the National Guard and exclaiming, “F–k you!” the outlet reported. She was also allegedly seen demonstrating to a department security guard how she held up her middle finger.
On Aug. 25, she allegedly arrived at work and again boasted to the security guard that she hated the National Guard and that she told them to “F–k off!”
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“You are removed from your position of Paralegal Specialist, GS-0950-11, Environmental Defense Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division, and from the federal service, effective immediately,” Bondi wrote in a termination letter to Baxter on Friday following an investigation into her conduct, according to the outlet.
The Trump administration moved in recent weeks to boost the presence of federal law enforcement in D.C. in an attempt to reduce crime. Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops have been deployed to the city’s streets as part of the federal takeover of the district.
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Baxter’s termination comes after Sean Charles Dunn, another DOJ paralegal, was fired after he was accused of throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent earlier this month in Washington, D.C.
Dunn, who worked in the criminal division’s international affairs section in the 4CON building, was initially charged with a felony, but a grand jury declined to hand down an indictment. He was subsequently charged with a misdemeanor, which could result in up to one year in jail.
Catholic school shooter underwent breakup before attack on former church: warrant
The Minneapolis Catholic school shooter Robin Westman recently went through a breakup and was living with an older friend, according to one of several search warrants police have obtained in the wake of a deadly attack on Wednesday’s morning Mass.
Westman most recently lived in an apartment in Richfield, according to a search warrant, but the killer’s father told police that the 23-year-old had just gone through a breakup and was staying with a friend in nearby St. Louis Park.
Police also searched Westman’s father’s house in Minneapolis, where they seized a tactical vest, two computer drives and “misc documents,” according to the warrant return.
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Westman has been identified as the one who opened fire Wednesday morning, killing two children, ages 8 and 10, and injuring 18 other worshipers, including more than a dozen other kids from the school.
Police found Westman dead of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, wearing black “tactical” gear and carrying at least two long guns, according to the warrant. The van Westman used in the attack belonged to James Westman, the killer’s father.
The elder Westman told police about the breakup.
MINNEAPOLIS CHURCH SHOOTER’S MOTHER REFUSES TO TALK TO POLICE AFTER DEADLY ATTACK ON CHILDREN
Westman was born Robert Paul Westman and underwent a legal name change in 2019, according to court documents, becoming Robin M. Westman.
“Minor child [redacted] identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification,” according to a court form filled out by a mother named Mary Grace Westman – the same name as a woman who police said worked at the Annunciation Catholic Church. The shooter also attended the church’s attached Catholic school until eighth grade, according to authorities.
Federal authorities reportedly visited a Florida condominium owned by Mary Grace Westman as part of the investigation into the mother of the shooter who opened fire during a Minneapolis Catholic church Mass on Wednesday, according to WINK News.
Deputies visited the same address a day earlier before the shooting for what police said was an unrelated welfare check involving a juvenile.
“Contact was made with Mrs. Westman, who stated the juvenile and the juvenile’s mother had previously lived there and were no longer residing with her,” the Collier County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital.
Officials noted it was “unrelated to the shooter or shooter’s family.”
The FBI declined to answer questions about activity in Florida.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told reporters Thursday that investigators have not yet spoken with Westman but are continuing efforts to reach her. Authorities confirmed she has not been cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Ryan Garry, a lawyer for Mary Westman, told Fox News she is “deeply distraught” and not involved in the crime but hired counsel to handle law enforcement and media inquiries.
The killer also posted what police are referring to as “manifestos” online.
“[It] appeared to show him at the scene and included some disturbing writing,” O’Hara told reporters during a briefing.
Disturbing videos posted by a person using the name Robin Westman were deleted from YouTube after the shooting, showing handwritten pages of a notebook, weapons with messages painted on them, and commentary from whoever filmed them.
O’Hara added that all three firearms used in the attack had been purchased legally by Westman, who had no prior criminal record.
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Police in Eagan, Minnesota, were part of a multiple-department response to a mental health incident at a former address used by Westman in 2018, according to NBC News, which obtained a heavily redacted report on the matter.
Eagan police did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the incident. Mendota Heights police, who were also involved in the response, declined to answer any questions about the incident or any other encounters at the same address.
Minnesota does have a so-called red flag law, officially the state’s “Extreme Risk Protection Orders” program, which can block people from purchasing firearms for mental health reasons – but they have to first be flagged by their parents, prosecutors, or high-ranking police officials, according to the state government.
Liberal rocker attacks Trump’s safety efforts as mayor admits carjacking drop
Liberal rocker Neil Young released a new song Thursday pointing to President Donald Trump’s White House as the source of “big crime” in Washington, D.C., a claim the administration dismissed as “cringe.”
After Trump announced his plans to deploy National Guard troops and assume oversight of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to tackle rising crime in Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser initially expressed concern.
However, the mayor admitted at a press conference on Wednesday that the federal surge has had a noticeable impact on one of America’s most dangerous cities, including a whopping 87% reduction in carjackings.
But Young, an outspoken critic of the president, released a new song the next day, blasting Trump and his crime crackdown.
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“No more great again,” Young sang in his new song, “Big Crime,” “There’s big crime in D.C. at the White House.”
He goes on to declare, “Don’t need no fascist rules! Don’t want no fascist schools! Don’t want soldiers walking on our streets! There’s big crime in D.C. at the White House!”
His song proceeds to call for “No money to the fascists, the billionaire fascists,” arguing it is “Time to black out the system.”
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson responded in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital, saying, “Instead of tarnishing his legacy with cringe songs, Neil should spend some time talking to the D.C. residents who haven’t been victims of violent crime thanks to President Trump. Then he can decide if he really wants to criticize actions that have reduced violent crime already by 44%.”
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Liberals outside D.C. leadership appear to be concerned about crime in the nation’s capital as well, even if they are silent or posture against Trump’s actions publicly.
“I actually heard from a reporter when this happened, going, ‘Well, you know, if he doesn’t overreach, this could actually be a good thing for quality of life,’ etc., because in D.C. right now, I had this happen to my family and I had that, and they go down the list,” MSNBC host Joe Scarborough noted earlier this month. “And then I saw him tweet something completely different.”
Scarborough added that crime isn’t as bad as it was two or three years ago, but it still was not a safe city.
“It’s certainly not as safe as the nation’s capital should be,” he said.
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On the other hand, MSNBC host Symone Sanders-Townsend cited her experience as “a Black woman in America” to suggest, “I do not always think that more police make streets safer.”
Julia Roberts speaks out as new film faces backlash and divides audiences
For Julia Roberts, it’s important that movies spark conversation.
The actress, 57, isn’t often known for weighing in on cultural debates, but during a news conference Friday at the Venice Film Festival, she spoke out about some backlash that her new film, “After the Hunt,” has been receiving from attendees of the festival.
According to Variety, a reporter noted that the movie had “caused controversy” among some viewers, who complained that the story “revives old arguments” about women believing other women when they make allegations of sexual assault, a central issue of the #MeToo movement.
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“Not to be disagreeable, because it’s not in my nature,” Roberts answered, “but the thing you said that I love is it ‘revives old arguments.’ I don’t think it’s just reviving an argument of women being pitted against each other or not supporting each other. There are a lot of old arguments that get rejuvenated that creates conversation.
“The best part of your question is that you all came out of the theater talking about it. That’s how we wanted it to feel. You realize what you believe in strongly because we stir it all up for you. So, you’re welcome.”
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The outlet reported that, after giving this answer, Roberts was asked about the topic again, promting her to complain that people seem to be “losing the art of conversation in humanity right now.”
“We’re not making statements; we are portraying these people in this moment in time,” she explained. “I don’t know about controversy, per se, but we are challenging people to have conversation. To be excited or infuriated about it is up to you. If making this movie does anything, getting everybody to talk to each other is the most exciting thing that I think we could accomplish.
“I love the softball questions early in the morning,” she joked.
At one point, director Luca Guadagnino jumped in, saying, “It’s how we see the clash of truths. It’s not about making a manifesto to revive old-fashioned values.”
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According to the Venice Film Festival’s website, “‘After the Hunt’ is a gripping psychological drama about a college professor who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star student makes an accusation against one of her colleagues, and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.”
In addition to Roberts, the movie stars Ayo Edebiri, who plays her student, and Andrew Garfield.
Judging by Roberts’ commentary, a key goal for the film, which is scheduled for a North American theatrical release Oct. 10, is sparking difficult conversations. The tagline on the poster even says “not everything is supposed to make you feel comfortable.”
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Man hospitalized with ‘ancient disease’ after camping trip in southwestern US
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has reported the first case of human plague in 2025.
New Mexico health officials confirmed the infectious disease in a 43-year-old man from Valencia County who was hospitalized and has been discharged since the Aug. 25 press release.
The man recently spent time camping in Rio Arriba County, where officials believe he may have been exposed.
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The plague is known to “circulate among wildlife” throughout the western U.S., the release stated.
Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH, commented in a statement that this case is a reminder of the “severe threat that can be posed by this ancient disease.
“It also emphasizes the need for heightened community awareness and for taking measures to prevent further spread.”
The last human plague case in New Mexico was recorded in a Lincoln County resident in 2024.
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The plague is a bacterial disease of rodents, which is generally transmitted to humans through infected flea bites, according to NMDOH.
The disease can also be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, including wildlife and even pets.
Symptoms can include fever, chills, headache and weakness and a “painful swelling of the lymph node” in areas of the body like the groin, armpit and neck.
In cats and dogs, symptoms can include fever, lethargy and loss of appetite, in addition to lymph node swelling under the jaw.
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The plague can be treated with antibiotic medications, which can “greatly reduce” the fatality rate in people and pets after a “prompt diagnosis,” NMDOH reports.
The best ways to prevent plague infection are avoiding sick or dead rodents and rabbits, cleaning up areas where rodents may nest and storing hay, wood and compost piles far away from the home.
Using insect repellent while camping, hiking or working outdoors can also help to prevent plague exposure.
For those with pets, NMDOH recommends using an appropriate flea repellent and having sick pets examined by a veterinarian.
Any unexpected illness involving a sudden, severe fever should be checked out by a doctor.
Fox News Digital reached out to NMDOH for comment.
News anchor dies suddenly after recently taking new job at local television station
A news anchor who had just recently started a new job at a Mississippi-based TV news station died suddenly of a heart attack.
Celeste Wilson was only 42 years old, according to the “Today” show.
“We have some very sad news tonight about one of our own,” WAPT anchor Troy Johnson said on the air this week.
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“Our colleague Celeste Wilson, who recently joined 16 WAPT as our weekend anchor, died from a heart attack,” co-anchor Megan West said. “Celeste had only been with us here at 16 WAPT for a short time, but we were already touched by her professionalism, her warmth and her dedication to the work of journalism.”
Wilson started her career at a CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana, before eventually arriving at the Jackson, Mississippi, ABC affiliate.
Wilson was a native of Louisiana and graduated from Northwestern State University before getting a master’s degree at Arizona State University, according to her news anchor profile, which remains on the station’s website.
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“While she has held various roles throughout her professional career, her passion for journalism and storytelling drove her to pursue a path in Broadcast Journalism,” the profile said.
Before joining WAPT, she worked at several other stations, including PBS.
“With a strong commitment to faith, family, community, and deep Mississippi ties, Celeste is excited to explore Jackson and share Mississippi’s stories,” the profile concluded.
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A story on Wilson’s death on the news station’s website added, “All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste’s family and friends.”
Country star Shania Twain strips down to briefs for bold 60th birthday look
Shania Twain celebrated turning 60 with an iconic throwback shared on Instagram Thursday.
The “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” singer wore a sparkling blue pantsuit with a silver-trimmed blazer in the dressing room snap, captured from before she hit it big in the country music industry.
Twain shared her 1980s glam shot in a carousel which also featured a more recent image of the singer posing in a white button-down shirt with only a pair of black briefs underneath.
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Lyrics from her legendary song were written in bold behind the singer as she threw her arm in the air for the photo session.
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“Happy birthday to me! How can I be 60? So glad to have kept some photos from this time in the 80s when I had no idea what was ahead of me and Shania f**king Twain didn’t exist yet,” she captioned the series.
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“I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am for the life that i have. For my family, friends, fans and the inspiration I get from all of you.”
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Twain added, “I’ve tried to stay true to myself along the way and that’s my intention moving forward into the next chapter.”
The “Queen of Country Pop” is one of the best-selling music artists with more than 100 million records sold. She also holds the title as the best-selling female country music artist ever.
The “That Don’t Impress Me Much” singer released her latest studio album, “Queen of Me,” in 2023. She previously told Fox News Digital that she’s honored to witness the transformation from within her industry.
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“I’m also privileged to be a part of where the new country is going. I don’t want to say new country, but the evolution of country music and where it’s headed,” she said.
She added, “I love music, I’m a fan of music. I think the love of it keeps me going.”
When it came to any tips or tricks for maintaining health and wellness, Twain admitted the secret was simple.
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“I enjoy good health and I think happiness has everything to do with it,” the musician said.
Melania Trump laughed at, immediately rejected Vanity Fair cover offer: report
First lady Melania Trump “laughed” at a request from Vanity Fair last month to appear on the cover of the magazine, according to the New York Post.
Vanity Fair editors reportedly fumed over the possibility of Trump on the cover, with one editor telling the Daily Mail there would be a “mass exodus” of staffers if it happened. The outlet added that several anonymous employees warned of a “meltdown” if global editorial director Mark Guiducci followed through with his idea, but the first lady appears to have bigger priorities.
“She doesn’t have time to be sitting in a photo shoot,” a source familiar with Trump’s thinking told the Post’s Miranda Devine.
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“Her priorities as first lady are far more important,” the source continued to the Post. “These people don’t deserve her anyway.”
The first lady has been working to support children in foster care, combat cyberbullying and address opioid abuse, among other causes. On Wednesday, she called for more “preemptive intervention” to identify potential school shooters, and she recently wrote a “peace letter” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I love this because she is showing the grace that could have epitomized the cover of Vanity Fair but now never will,” Fox News host Emily Compagno said Thursday on “Outnumbered.”
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Trump was excluded from Vanity Fair and Vogue, which are both published by Condé Nast, during her husband’s first presidency, despite both magazines frequently spotlighting past first ladies. She did appear on the cover of Vanity Fair Mexico in 2017.
Former first lady Michelle Obama appeared on Vogue’s cover three times during President Barack Obama’s two terms in office, and former first lady Jill Biden landed two Vogue covers during President Joe Biden’s term.
Condé Nast did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital.
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A spokesperson for the first lady declined comment.
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Colorado football adds new feature to meet coach Deion Sanders’ health needs
Colorado football’s third season under head coach Deion Sanders got off to a strong start Friday night in Boulder. The Buffaloes’ defense recovered two fumbles and intercepted Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King in the first quarter.
But much of the pregame attention centered on Sanders’ health. In July, Sanders announced doctors had removed his bladder following the discovery of a tumor. The Pro Football Hall of Famer added that there has been no evidence of cancer since the surgery.
Coach Prime returned to the sideline on Friday, but he will not have to go far if he needs privacy.
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Folsom Field now features a mobile bathroom near the Buffaloes’ bench. The portable privacy tent is presented by Depend, an adult undergarment company Sanders has partnered with.
“I wasn’t joking! I truly DEPEND on Depend. Ain’t NO SHAME in taking care of yourself. NO SHAME in getting health screenings. And there certainly ain’t NO SHAME in needing added protection or using Depend to stay in the game. That’s not weakness – that’s WINNING,” Sanders wrote on X last week.
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Depend replied: “No shame at all! We’re proud to help you stay in the game, Coach Prime.”
Doctors said a section of Sanders’ intestine was reconstructed to function as a bladder.
Sanders faced questions about whether he’d be up for coaching after his health scare. But during a timeout in the second quarter of Thursday’s game, Sanders appeared energized as he engaged in an animated exchange with coaches and players.
During a sitdown with three-time Super Bowl winner Michael Irvin in July, Sanders mentioned he might need the assistance of a “Porta Potty” during football games.
“I know I got halftime, but can I make it through a game?” Sanders asked his former Dallas Cowboys teammate. “What if there’s a long quarter? OK, so I start thinking I gotta get a Porta Potty for the sideline.”
While Sanders faced health challenges away from the field over the offseason, he will now be tasked with navigating his first season without his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders. Quarterback Shedeur is a rookie with the Cleveland Browns, while Shilo, a safety, was waived by the Tampa Buccaneers last week.
After going 4-8 in Sanders’ first year at the helm, Colorado won nine games in 2024, and qualified for a bowl game.
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Colorado and Georgia Tech were tied 20-20 in the fourth quarter late Friday.
New Buffaloes starting quarterback Kaidon Salter completed six of his first 11 passes and threw a touchdown.
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