Hunter Schafer, a transgender woman and star of HBO’s hit series “Euphoria,” revealed that her newly issued U.S. passport incorrectly identifies her as male, even though she marked female on her application.

Hunter Schafer, the 26-year-old star of HBO’s “Euphoria,” was stunned to discover that her new U.S. passport incorrectly lists her as male despite her selecting female on her application.

“I was shocked,” Schafer said in a recent TikTok video, holding up her passport to display the M marker. She explained that after her bag was stolen in Barcelona, she received an emergency passport listing her as female.

However, when she applied for a new standard passport upon returning to the U.S., it was issued with the male designation. Schafer attributed the issue to policies implemented under President Donald Trump.

On his first day in office, Trump enacted an executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.”

“As a result of this, which I wrote down because I wanna get it right, ‘The Bureau of Consular Affairs has frozen passport applications requesting a gender marker change or renewals or new applications within gender marker deferring from an applicant’s gender assigned at birth,” the actress stated.

The order, enacted by the White House, mandates that all U.S. passports reflect the biological sex assigned at birth, eliminating the option for an X marker.

Under these new regulations, applicants requesting a gender marker different from their birth record may experience delays, and those affected could be required to provide additional documentation.

While existing passports with X markers or gender designations different from birth remain valid for travel until their expiration, all newly issued passports must comply with the updated rule.

With international travel on her horizon, Schafer voiced concerns about potential difficulties at border crossings. “I just didn’t think it was actually going to happen,” she said, criticizing the policies that led to the error on her passport.

Schafer admitted that she initially dismissed the policy shift, believing it wouldn’t directly impact her. However, after seeing the changes firsthand, she acknowledged the broader implications for transgender individuals.

“I do believe it is a direct result of the administration our country is currently operating under,” she explained in her video. “I guess I’m just sort of scared of the way this stuff slowly gets implemented.”

Despite the potential travel complications, the actress remains undeterred. “It doesn’t change anything about me or my transness,” she affirmed, emphasizing that legal classifications do not define personal identity.

She expressed confidence that transgender individuals will continue to exist and be seen, regardless of restrictive policies. “A letter and a passport can’t change that,” she stated.

Schafer has been open about her journey as a transgender woman. She came out as gay in middle school before later identifying as transgender in ninth grade. Growing up, she found solace in online communities, which helped her navigate her transition.

“The internet saved me — being able to go to YouTube and watch people’s transition timelines, and see myself on a screen,” she shared during an interview.

Reflecting on her public advocacy, Schafer noted the personal cost of being a visible transgender figure. While she once felt pressure to educate and advocate, she has since adopted a more self-preserving mindset.

“I’ve kind of lost interest in achieving some sort of utopia,” she admitted. “I am totally cool with people hating me for being trans or calling me a man. I am not interested in trying to convince them anymore.”

Instead, she prioritizes surrounding herself with supportive communities and embracing the resilience of transgender people. “We are never going to stop existing,” the star stated.

Outside of acting, Schafer has explored various creative avenues, including directing. She helmed the music video for Anohni and the Johnsons’ single “Why Am I Alive Now?” and has expressed a desire to shift her focus toward personal and artistic growth.

“I think I could probably keep doing the acting thing for a while, which is really cool. But there are so many other things that I want to do with my life that I kind of put on hold and don’t want to let go of,” she said.

As for her love life, in 2019, Hunter Schafer disclosed that her sexual identity might be close to a lesbian but clarified the matter no further. Two years after the interview with Dazed, she has come out to set the record straight for good.

The need for clarification comes after a viral tweet identified her as a lesbian. The sender seemed to be sure that the actress was a lesbian, a claim that Schafer disagrees with.

“Hunter Schafer is a lesbian. Congratulations lesbians. You’ve taken from me the one thing that matters most,” read the tweet, as reported by Advocate.com.

Schafer instead replied, saying that as much as she wished the post was true, she was unfortunately not lesbian. She said she identified as bi or pansexual.

While her explanation did not clear up the air and left fans more confused than they had been, one thing everyone could agree on is that despite her sexuality, they all supported and celebrated her.

In December 2020, rumors began making rounds after the actress spent plenty of time with Massima Desire. Seeing them together sparked much speculation about Schafer’s dating life, but she did not deny nor confirm them.

Desire, originally from Iowa, came to New York City for college over a decade ago and never returned home. As a student, she often took up modeling gigs, and it was not until recently that she began modeling seriously and signed with Next Management.

She has, however, walked the runway with brands such as Marc Jacobs, Erdem, Eckhaus Latta, and Coach, and also featured in magazines such as Document, Dazed, and AnOther, among others.

In addition to being a model, Desire makes art inspired by the people and ecology around her, including tattoos and sculptural pieces.

While Schafer has not confirmed any involvement with Desire on a romantic level, what is undeniable is the close bond between her and costar Zendaya forged on set.

During an interview with V Magazine, Schafer disclosed that Zendaya was one of the closest artistic collaborators she formed a bond with, and the friendship goes beyond the screens.

Zendaya also opened up about their mutual friendship, saying she looks at Shafer as her little sister. The “Dune” actress shared that while acting was vital to them, their friendship was more important.

A tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, left a police officer dead and five others injured after a gunman took medical staff hostage and opened fire. Continue reading for more details.

Chaos unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital when a gunman stormed the ICU, taking staff members hostage before engaging in a deadly shootout with police.

The violence resulted in the death of West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte, a six-year veteran of law enforcement, and left multiple individuals wounded. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, was also killed in the confrontation.

Authorities reported that Ortiz entered the hospital carrying a bag containing a handgun and zip ties before heading straight to the ICU.

UPMC took to Facebook to share confirmation of reports of a gunman being present and shots being fired. He held staff hostage and prevented officers from breaching the unit by threatening to kill one of the hostages.

When he later emerged into the hallway with a hospital worker still at gunpoint, officers opened fire, killing Ortiz. Two additional law enforcement officers suffered gunshot wounds and are in stable condition. A doctor, a nurse, and a custodian were also shot, while a fourth hospital employee was injured during the chaos.

Officials believe the attack was specifically targeted at the ICU, as Ortiz had been in contact with the department in the previous week regarding a medical matter involving another individual.

Officer Duarte, who, according to reports, was 29 when he died, had served in law enforcement for six years. Before joining the West York Borough Police Department, he spent five years with the Denver Police Department, where he specialized in DUI and drug recognition enforcement.

Duarte was highly regarded in his field, earning the MADD Hero Award in 2021 for his work in impaired driving enforcement. The West York Borough Police Department honored his sacrifice, encouraging the community to lay flowers on the steps of the police department in his memory.

“Our community grieves the loss of a hero,” the department shared on Facebook. “We ask that the community come together in solidarity, respect, and prayer at this time as broken hearts mourn.”

Governor Josh Shapiro also paid tribute to Duarte, calling him “the best of us” and recognizing his life of service. “This morning in York County, we saw the best and worst of humanity,” Shapiro wrote on X. “Tragically, we lost one of those heroes today. Officer Duarte’s willingness to run toward danger helped save lives.”

The Fraternal Order of Police echoed these sentiments, stating, “Pennsylvania lost another hero today. Officer Duarte’s bravery and commitment to upholding the law are a testament to the selflessness shown daily by those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving.”

Patients and visitors at UPMC Memorial Hospital described the terrifying moments leading up to the shooting. Jayden Robertson and his grandmother were visiting a family member when an announcement came over the intercom about an intruder with a weapon.

Initially, they assumed it was a minor security issue, but the situation quickly escalated. Robertson recalled looking out the window and seeing police cars arriving, with officers rushing to grab shields and firearms. “That’s when we realized how serious this was,” he said.

Elsewhere in the hospital, Betsy Small was visiting her mother when she heard strange noises and saw people running.

A woman over the intercom announced a lockdown, sending a wave of panic through the floor. “You never think it’s going to be a shooting, not in a hospital,” Small said. She took cover near a window while medical staff scrambled through the hallways.

For more than an hour, Small watched as nurses moved frantically, some in tears. Her daughter texted her at 11:41 a.m., informing her that the shooter had been “taken out.”

“UPMC is grateful to all the law enforcement officers, and to our staff who courageously ensured their own safety and the safety of our patients and visitors. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone exposed to this terrible event,” the hospital shared in part on Facebook.

State Senator Dawn Keefer and State Representative Seth Grove addressed the tragedy in a joint statement, expressing their sorrow over the events at UPMC Memorial Hospital.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at UPMC this morning. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all those affected by this senseless act of violence,” they stated.

Despite the tragedy, authorities assured that no patients were harmed and the hospital is now secure. This harrowing event follows the fatal school shooting that occurred at Antioch High School on January 22, 2025.

Following the school shooting, the Metro Nashville Police Department shared the identity of the 16-year-old girl who was killed during the incident. The victim who was fatally wounded at the cafeteria of Antioch High School was identified as Josselin Corea Escalante.

She was shot alongside two other students. One of the two is a male student who suffered a graze to the arm and he was treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Escalante’s dad, German Corea, is devasted by the loss of his daughter. “Every day I told her how much I loved her,” he said. Escalante was an older sister but still a daddy’s girl in his father’s eyes. Corea said his daughter played soccer and scored good grades. He noted that he never thought his loving and kind daughter would one day never make it home. “It’s not fair,” he mourned.

Maria Corea, Escalante’s aunt, is dumbfounded by her loss, noting that she was sent to school to get an education and a better future but her life has ended tragically. “Oh God. She was my girl. She was a very calm girl and well-behaved. She had good grades in school. She was a girl who loved her parents and all her family,” she shared.

Escalante’s family has requested that the school enhance its security. They are not hopeful that things will change noting that every school shooting always has a similar story. Antioch High School hosted a vigil in honor of Escalante on the night of January 22.

The 17-year-old shooter was an active student at Antioch High School. He shot himself in the head and is deceased. Police have identified him as Solomon Henderson. The two school resource officers assigned to Antioch High School were located in a different part of the building when Henderson started shooting.

Upon hearing the shots, they swiftly rushed to the cafeteria, arriving just moments after Henderson had taken his own life. Authorities are now investigating concerning online writings and social media posts linked to Henderson.

They are also working with local, federal, and state agencies to determine the motive behind the gunfire in the school’s cafeteria. As investigations on the incident continue, so far the police have found no connection between the shooter and victims of the tragic incident. “It may be that they were struck by his random gunfire in the cafeteria,” the Metro Nashville Police Department said.

Chief John Drake of the Metro Nashville Police Department has also spoken out, “On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff. Our officers and counselors will work to be part of the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.”

Dr. Adrienne Battle, Metro Nashville Public Schools’ director has condoled with the students, parents, and the entire Antioch High School community. Battle announced that the school would be closed for the rest of the week so that students and staff could have time to grieve.

She wrote in a statement, “I want to thank the school staff who quickly and heroically followed emergency protocols, potentially preventing further harm, as well as the Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department for their swift and urgent response.”

Battle promised that she was committed to understanding how and why such a tragedy happened so as to prevent another occurrence in the future.

She added, “It’s important to remember that our schools have historically been safe places for learning, friendship, and growth. We cannot allow this tragedy to overshadow the positive experiences of our 80,000 students.”

Battle also noted that the students and staff will get all the help they need to process this tragedy, including but not limited to grief support. She urged students, staff, counselors, and the Nashville community to come together so they could navigate the days and weeks ahead as one.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741,

During an appearance on a podcast, the TV show host and singer-songwriter shared the chilling details of the incident, crediting Donald Trump, who immediately vowed to handle the matter himself, with saving their lives.

In early February 2025, Kathie Lee Gifford made a revealing appearance on the “Sage Steele Podcast,” where she opened up about pivotal moments in her life.

During the interview, she reflected on many things, including her decades-long career, the enduring grief of losing her husband, Frank Gifford, and her complex friendship with President Donald Trump.

Dressed casually in a knitted sweater and jeans, Kathie also shared a harrowing story from 31 years ago when she was preparing to host the Miss America Pageant.

She had her newborn daughter with her when the FBI contacted her husband, warning that a dangerous criminal was on the loose and targeting his wife.

The FBI urged Frank to continue as if nothing was wrong so the criminal wouldn’t realize they were onto him. Frank, however, refused to proceed without securing his wife’s safety.

Amid the chaos, he immediately turned to none other than Donald for help. The president, without hesitation, assured Frank that he would handle the situation personally.

“[…] Donald said — this is why I will love this man for my whole life — he said, ‘Frank don’t you worry about it. I’ve got your girls. I’ve got your girls and don’t you worry,” Kathie recalled, holding back tears.

According to the singer-songwriter, Frank then called the FBI back, informing them that he had Donald’s word that he would take care of the situation.

Knowing nothing about what was going on, Kathie then received a call from Donald himself the next day, who told her he was sending his private helicopter to ensure she and her daughter returned home safely, as well as security guards for her protection.

She was then greeted by an extensive security detail. “There were four of his security guys there,” she recalled, still piecing together the extent of his intervention.

For days, she had round-the-clock protection, with armed guards stationed outside her hotel room. It wasn’t until the day of the pageant that she fully grasped the gravity of the situation.

Picking up a newspaper, she was stunned to see a headline about a death threat against her. “I read it and thought, ‘Oh, I’m kind of interested in that story,'” she recounted. Only then did she realize the extent of the danger and the measures that had been taken to protect her.

Despite the chilling revelation, Kathie refused to be intimidated. When asked if she wanted to back out of hosting, she responded firmly, “Hell no! Nobody’s going to make me afraid.”

The show went on as planned, with Donald’s security detail remaining by her side. After the pageant, Kathie was discreetly taken home via a different route to avoid any lingering threats. Unbeknownst to her, an FBI agent had also been stationed at her home in Connecticut, protecting her three-year-old son, Cody.

Days later, while at the movies with her son, an FBI agent approached her with the news that the suspect had been captured. His capture brought relief, but the terrifying ordeal remained a vivid memory.

“That’s my friend. Donald saved my life, saved my daughter’s life and if I called him today [he] would save it again. […] People don’t know that about him,” Kathie said.

Her story sheds light on a lesser-known side of Donald, offering a glimpse into their friendship and the gratitude she still holds for him to this day.

Her recent appearance on the “Sage Steele Podcast” isn’t the only time Kathie Lee Gifford has made headlines lately. Just weeks earlier, she joined “Today” for Hoda Kotb’s farewell episode, where her look sparked a wave of reactions.

Kathie surprised Hoda on January 10, her final day on the “Today with Jenna & Friends” show. While her appearance added elegance to the occasion, a video shared online sparked mixed reactions from netizens.

In the video, Jenna Bush Hager told Hoda that a close friend had sent her a special message. A screen then appeared, showing Kathie speaking from Tennessee. The 71-year-old TV personality reflected on their shared memories and the joy of their bond.

“I always loved hugging you and just drench in that beautiful sunshine of a smile you have,” she said warmly. Apologizing for her absence, she joked, “I’m sorry to miss your big day. But you know I’m very busy. Very busy, very important. Not!” She ended the message, “I love you, sweetheart! So excited for you.”

As the video ended, Jenna surprised Hoda further by revealing that Kathie’s recorded message from Tennessee was a “lie,” catching her off guard and adding to the emotional moment.

Kathie then entered the studio dressed in a black lace dress, exuding timeless sophistication. Her long, wavy blonde hair and subtle makeup enhanced her radiant appearance.

Pink and purple balloons adorned the studio, creating a festive atmosphere. Kathie stood confidently amid the decorations and later joined Hoda and Jenna for an emotional conversation.

Kathie’s appearance drew mixed reactions online. Some praised her timeless beauty, while others speculated about cosmetic enhancements.

“I didn’t even recognize her she’s done way too much with her face,” one commenter noted. Someone else exclaimed, “Botox!” while another speculated, “Loads of Plastic surgery there Kathy. Gotta own your real age one day [sic].”

Some netizens jokingly questioned cosmetic changes among public figures, while others compared Kathie’s appearance to that of pop star Mariah Carey.

Amidst the critiques, others shared positive sentiments. “She looks so good!!!” wrote one admirer, followed by another declaring, “Kathie Lee looks better than ever. BRAVO! [sic]” Another gushed, “Kathie Lee is so pretty.”

One viewer praised Kathie’s unique presence and unwavering support for colleagues during pivotal moments, referencing her appearances for Hoda and the late TV presenter Regis Philbin.

Despite the divided reactions online, Kathie seemed fully present as she celebrated Hoda’s final day on the show. In a separate interview with Dr. Mehmet Oz on “The Dr. Oz Show,” Kathie offered a glimpse into the personal and professional reasons behind her transformation.

She explained that her weight loss stemmed from preparing for a movie role she had written for herself and Craig Ferguson.

“The character is named Annabelle, and she’s newly widowed. And she is a runner…she deals with her pain by — She’s always been a runner but she deals with it by…running. I started getting in training for that long before I started shooting the movie,” she said.

Grief also played a significant role following the death of her husband in 2015. “I’d lost weight right after my own husband had passed away because that’s why they call it a diet — they die, and you don’t want to eat…I don’t even remember eating after Frank passed,” she shared, adding that she has never been a big eater.

In a 2017 interview with Prevention, she reflected on aging with gratitude.

“All day long, life is about choice. Am I going to bemoan the fact that I’m 64 years old or say, ‘Thank you, Lord, I made it to 64’? I’m healthy, I’m employed, my kids are awesome, life is good. I’m grateful. I think the most important reason to love your age is to be grateful for everything,” Kathieshared.

She added with her signature humor, “If you grieve what you’ve lost in life at the expense of being grateful for what you have, you might as well take a dirt nap.”

A traffic stop in Virginia Beach ended in tragedy late Friday night, leading to the deaths of two police officers. As officials investigate the circumstances, tributes are pouring in for the fallen officers.

On February 21, 2025, at 11:27 p.m., officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese attempted to stop a blue Hyundai Sonata for an expired license plate. The driver initially refused to pull over before stopping at the dead end of Silven Court.

When officers approached, the driver became argumentative and repeatedly refused commands to exit the vehicle. After several requests, he eventually stepped out, but almost immediately, a struggle broke out.

During the altercation, the driver pulled a handgun from his pocket and opened fire, striking both officers. While they lay defenseless on the ground, he fired again, fatally wounding them before fleeing.

Backup officers responded within minutes and launched a search for the driver. He was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a shed behind an apartment complex near the scene. Authorities confirmed he was a convicted felon. Authorities confirmed him to be 42-year-old John McCoy III, a convicted felon.

Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressed the public in an emotional press conference, providing details on the tragic loss of Officers Girvin and Reese.

He revealed that Officer Reese, 30, was pronounced dead shortly after midnight at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow officers. Officer Girvin, 25, succumbed to his injuries at Virginia Beach General Hospital around 4:30 a.m., also surrounded by loved ones and members of his police family.

Speaking on the department’s grief, he stated, “We’re all hurting. We’ve got families that have lost a loved one in the prime of their life, and they are completely devastated.” Neighbors described hearing gunshots and witnessing a heavy police presence.

Marcus Burton, who lives near the scene, said he initially heard several gunshots but didn’t realize the gravity of the situation until he saw police swarming the neighborhood. “I looked out my window and saw a guy walking through the alleyway. Next thing you know, the whole neighborhood’s full of cops,” he said.

Another resident, Micka Carden, expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in what she described as a quiet community. “My son was a police officer in the Army. My husband and I both served in the military. We respect law enforcement, and it’s just terrible that this happened. It’s awful,” she said.

Community members and law enforcement agencies have since offered their condolences, mourning the loss of the two officers who paid the ultimate price in service to their city.

Virginia Beach Fire Department shared in part on Facebook, “Our hearts are filled with profound sadness and sorrow this morning upon learning of the tragic loss of two of our brothers in blue. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our prayers to the grieving families […].”

Someone close to Girvin also took to Facebook and wrote in part, “I cannot think of the words to describe how I’m feeling. I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m heartbroken, I’m a whirlwind of emotion. Cameron Girvin you where not just a coworker or a partner you where one of my best friends, you where a brother to me [sic].”

This saddening incident follows the heartbreaking news of another police officer having his life cut short following a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania.

Chaos unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital when a gunman stormed the ICU, taking staff members hostage before engaging in a deadly shootout with police.

The violence resulted in the death of West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte, a six-year veteran of law enforcement, and left multiple individuals wounded. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel Ortiz, was also killed in the confrontation.

Authorities reported that Ortiz entered the hospital carrying a bag containing a handgun and zip ties before heading straight to the ICU.

UPMC took to Facebook to share confirmation of reports of a gunman being present and shots being fired. He held staff hostage and prevented officers from breaching the unit by threatening to kill one of the hostages.

When he later emerged into the hallway with a hospital worker still at gunpoint, officers opened fire, killing Ortiz. Two additional law enforcement officers suffered gunshot wounds and are in stable condition. A doctor, a nurse, and a custodian were also shot, while a fourth hospital employee was injured during the chaos.

Officials believe the attack was specifically targeted at the ICU, as Ortiz had been in contact with the department in the previous week regarding a medical matter involving another individual.

Officer Duarte, who, according to reports, was 29 when he died, had served in law enforcement for six years. Before joining the West York Borough Police Department, he spent five years with the Denver Police Department, where he specialized in DUI and drug recognition enforcement.

Duarte was highly regarded in his field, earning the MADD Hero Award in 2021 for his work in impaired driving enforcement. The West York Borough Police Department honored his sacrifice, encouraging the community to lay flowers on the steps of the police department in his memory.

“Our community grieves the loss of a hero,” the department shared on Facebook. “We ask that the community come together in solidarity, respect, and prayer at this time as broken hearts mourn.”

Governor Josh Shapiro also paid tribute to Duarte, calling him “the best of us” and recognizing his life of service. “This morning in York County, we saw the best and worst of humanity,” Shapiro wrote on X. “Tragically, we lost one of those heroes today. Officer Duarte’s willingness to run toward danger helped save lives.”

The Fraternal Order of Police echoed these sentiments, stating, “Pennsylvania lost another hero today. Officer Duarte’s bravery and commitment to upholding the law are a testament to the selflessness shown daily by those who have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving.”

Initially, they assumed it was a minor security issue, but the situation quickly escalated. Robertson recalled looking out the window and seeing police cars arriving, with officers rushing to grab shields and firearms. “That’s when we realized how serious this was,” he said.

Elsewhere in the hospital, Betsy Small was visiting her mother when she heard strange noises and saw people running.

A woman over the intercom announced a lockdown, sending a wave of panic through the floor. “You never think it’s going to be a shooting, not in a hospital,” Small said. She took cover near a window while medical staff scrambled through the hallways.

For more than an hour, Small watched as nurses moved frantically, some in tears. Her daughter texted her at 11:41 a.m., informing her that the shooter had been “taken out.”

“UPMC is grateful to all the law enforcement officers, and to our staff who courageously ensured their own safety and the safety of our patients and visitors. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone exposed to this terrible event,” the hospital shared in part on Facebook.

State Senator Dawn Keefer and State Representative Seth Grove addressed the tragedy in a joint statement, expressing their sorrow over the events at UPMC Memorial Hospital.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at UPMC this morning. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all those affected by this senseless act of violence,” they stated.

Despite the tragedy, authorities assured that no patients were harmed and the hospital is now secure. This harrowing event follows the fatal school shooting that occurred at Antioch High School on January 22, 2025.