Month: January 2025

The JetBlue flight had taken off from JFK airport in New York on Monday (January 6), and landed in Florida that evening.

According to FlightAware.com, the flight took off shortly before 8pm local time and arrived in Florida at 11:10pm, approximately 28 minutes later than scheduled.

After the plane was on the ground at the airport, two bodies were found inside the landing gear of the aircraft.

The bodies were found in the plane’s landing gear (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

News of the discovery was confirmed by a spokesperson for JetBlue, who said in a statement: “On Monday evening, January 6, at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLHIA), two individuals were found in the landing gear compartment of one of our aircraft during the routine post-flight maintenance inspection. Tragically, both individuals were deceased.”

The names of the two people found on the plane have not yet been confirmed, with the spokesperson saying that their identities and the circumstances surrounding how they ended up in the landing gear of the plane are still under investigation.

“This is a heartbreaking situation, and we are committed to working closely with authorities to support their efforts to understand how this occurred,” the spokesperson added.

Images from the scene shared by Florida news reporter Alex Browning showed a Broward County Sheriff’s van outside the airport in the wake of the incident.

According to CBS News, a medical examiner also joined sheriff’s deputies at the scene, which was centered around the airport’s Terminal 3 – the terminal home to JetBlue.

An investigation into the bodies is ongoing (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

News of the two dead bodies in Florida comes after another deceased person was found in the landing gear of a United Airlines flight just last month.

The plane had had flown out of Chicago and landed in Hawaii on Christmas Eve, after which officials found a body in the ‘wheel well of the main landing gears’.

“The wheel well was only accessible from outside of the aircraft,” United Airlines said in a statement, while a spokesperson for the Maui Police Department told Hawaii News Now authorities had launched an investigation to determine how the person had come to be inside the compartment.

Maui police said no additional information about the United Airlines discovery was immediately available.

Whose sentences did Joe Biden commute?

Shannon Agofsky and Len Davis are among a group of 37 federal inmates whose death sentences were commuted by the POTUS just before Christmas, when he announced that the prisoners would have their sentences reclassified to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Biden’s decision came as part of his belief that America must ‘stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level, except in cases of terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder’.

Following the commutation order, inmates must sign paperwork accepting Biden’s decision – but Agofsky and Davis are refusing to do so.

Agofsky was originally imprisoned after being convicted of the 1989 murder of bank president Dan Short. In 2001, while incarcerated, he was convicted in the death of a fellow inmate, and a jury recommended a death sentence.

Davis, a former New Orleans police officer, received a death sentence after being convicted in the 1994 murder of Kim Groves, who had filed a complaint accusing him of beating a teenager in her neighborhood.

Prosecutors claimed Davis had hired a drug dealer to kill Groves, and he was charged with violating Groves’ civil rights.

Now the two prisoners, who are inmates at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, have filed emergency motions to seek an injunction which would block Biden’s commutations, arguing it could actually put them at a legal disadvantage.

The reasoning behind their decision comes from the scrutiny that is typically given to death penalties in comparison to life sentences, because both Agofsky and Davis are hoping to appeal their cases for major reasons: they have claimed they’re innocent.

Why do Agofsky and Davis want to keep their death sentences?

As both Agofsky and Davis hope to appeal their sentences, remaining on death row would allow their cases to undergo a legal process known as heightened scrutiny, in which courts look for errors in the cases to ensure no mistakes have been made before an inmate’s death.

Agofsky’s motion explains: “To commute his sentence now, while the defendant has active litigation in court, is to strip him of the protection of heightened scrutiny. This constitutes an undue burden, and leaves the defendant in a position of fundamental unfairness, which would decimate his pending appellate procedures.”

“The defendant never requested commutation. The defendant never filed for commutation,” the filing continues. “The defendant does not want commutation, and refused to sign the papers offered with the commutation.”

Meanwhile, Davis argued that he has ‘always maintained that having a death sentence would draw attention to the overwhelming misconduct’ he has claimed took place during his case.

Davis has claimed there was ‘misconduct’ in his case (WWLTV)

Are Agofsky and Davis innocent?

Agofsky, who is now 53 years old, has hit back on both his original murder charge and the conviction of the 2001 in his motion.

As well as disputing the 2001 death, he is trying to ‘establish his innocence in the original case for which he was incarcerated’.

Davis’ motion states that he has ‘always maintained his innocence and argued that federal court had no jurisdiction to try him for civil rights offenses’.

Will the inmates be able to get out of Biden’s order?

Though there is paperwork involved in the commutations, Dan Kobil, a professor of constitutional law at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, told NBC News that having a death sentence restored is challenging.

In 1927, a Supreme Court ruling determined that ‘the convict’s consent is not required’ for a president to grant reprieves and pardons.

As they fight to keep their death sentences, Davis and Agofsky have asked a judge to appoint them a co-counsel.

Look, we all have our off days, and it happens – take Game of Thrones’ Starbucks cup accident for example. Or perhaps Netflix was simply going for a more meta approach when it came to the second season of the hit South Korean survival game?

Alas, while some fans have been honing in on various hidden details, and another ‘fascinating’ spot which ‘totally changes’ your perception of the first episode, others have apparently been taking to social media over a mishap which occurs in episode seven of the second season – let’s give the team a break, eh?

Warning: Spoilers for Squid Game season two ahead.

Many fans of the show have already binge-watched their way through the entire second season since it first dropped on December 26, 2024.

However, what many may not have spotted – which other eagle-eyed viewers have – is a slight error in episode seven, occurring at the 22:39 mark – as one Twitter user has so kindly pointed out in a post to the platform yesterday (January 6).

The clip shows the moment players are fighting back against the Pink Guards – also known as Pink Soldiers, or Masked Men.

It’s a frantic and tense scene – guns firing left, right and center, guards falling and others fleeing for cover.

Yet one observant viewer noticed a person in the background who looks like they don’t quite belong in the scene – a camera person.

The user wrote: “Lmaooooooo squid game got exposed.”

And it’s not taken long for others to weigh in.

“Tired Editor detected. He / she must be exhausted during the shift. Terribly sorry for that,” a second added.

A third commented: “His job be okay, if you hadn’t pointed it out no one would have noticed.”

“POV: When you’re so immersed in Squid Games but suddenly see a cameraman casually chilling mid-scene,” a fourth wrote.

On December 27, Robert Loren Bacon disappeared from where he and his family were staying at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth.

He was reported missing to police on December 30 and search efforts were immediately launched.

Bacon’s ex-wife Melissa McLenna told WNEM on December 27 Bacon arrived at the hotel at around 6:40pm, and ‘went to the hotel room to change out of his shoes and slides’.

She says he was going to meet one of their daughters – aged 13 and 15 – down by the pool area, however, Bacon had reportedly told one of his children he needed to ‘move his car’ first ‘because he was on the further entrance from where their room was’.

McLenna also told Centre Daily Times Bacon said he was ‘going to his car to get something’ too.

But the dad never came back, last seen around 7:20pm.

The family were staying at the Bavarian Inn Lodge (Google Maps)

McLenna continued: “From there, they have video showing him going to the fun center after leaving the hotel room, never coming back to his car. They don’t have any video showing he exited the building. However, there are exits without cameras.”

Bacon’s car remained parked in the lot of the Inn on January 1 and when police searched the vehicle, McLenna says nothing seemed out of place.

Bacon’s phone had been turned off since December 27 and it’s reported he had his keys, wallet and phone on him.

However, police have since confirmed they’ve discovered the dad and confirmed his passing.

His car remained in the inn’s parking lot (ABC12)

On January 4, the Frankenmuth Police Department confirmed divers discovered Bacon’s body after a five day search aided by Frankenmuth Fire Department Drone/ATV Unit, Saginaw County 911, Michigan State Police Technical Services Unit, Lapeer County Search and Rescue, Michigan State Police K-9 unit assigned to MSP Dive Team Unit, Southeast Michigan Dive Group, the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office, Mobile Medical Response and the Saginaw County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The father’s body was found during a search of the Cass River near Heritage Park, police say, as reported by MLive.

The police statement reads: “The preliminary cause of death appears to be drowning, but a final determination will be made by the Saginaw County Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Bacon’s death is ongoing.”

McLenna said in a post to Facebook: “I have no words to describe how we feel we are so sad I just want to say thank you to everyone that helped look for Robert thank you to all that prayed for us and that are continuing to pray for us.”

The Vivienne – real name James Lee Williams – won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, adopting the drag name as a result of wearing clothing designed by Vivienne Westwood.

On Sunday evening (January 5), their publicist announced the news of their passing.

In a post to Instagram, publicist Simon Jones wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.

“Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.

“We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

Fans of the drag performer were quick to flock to social media, noting what a ‘shock’ the news was and issuing tributes to the reality TV star.

And now, a spokesperson for Cheshire Police has since addressed the star’s passing.

The Vivienne rose to fame after appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK ( Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

A statement reads: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The statement follows multiple friends and fans of The Vivienne sharing tributes to social media.

Wicked star Ariana Grande took to her Instagram story to re-share a post originally shared by The Vivienne’s All Stars co-star Jinkx Monsoon.

Monsoon shared three photographs of The Vivienne alongside the caption: “I don’t entirely have words… She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages.

“It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.”

Grande added three hearts and an infinity sign to her story of the original post.

Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience for BBC iPlayer & BBC Three – the channel which airs RuPaul’s Drag Race UK – said in a statement shared via BBC press office’s Instagram account: “We are currently processing the deeply sad news of the passing of James Lee Williams, known to many as The Vivienne.

“We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. “Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans.”

Sahir House – the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region in the UK, which also supports people living with HIV – said in a social media post that it’s ‘here’ for anyone who needs support following the news of Williams’ passing.

Sahir House – which The Vivienne raised awareness of in their final post to Instagram – said: “For more information, please email us at info@sahir.org.uk or call 0151 673 0192. Let’s continue to support one another, just as The Vivienne would have wanted.”

The reality TV star – real name was James Lee Williams – won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, with their drag name being influenced by their love for Vivienne Westwood clothing.

It was confirmed on Sunday (January 5) by their publicist, Simon Jones, that The Vivienne had passed away over the weekend.

Jones wrote on Instagram: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.

The Vivienne has died aged 32 (Lia Toby/Getty Images)

“Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.

“We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

Jones added that Williams would be remembered for their ‘immense talent’ and ‘the light they brought to every room was astonishing’.

Many tributes have poured in for the performer online from fans and friends, including one from Ariana Grande.

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage also described the news as ‘heartbreaking’, while fellow Drag Race UK star, Bimini Bon Boulash, wrote on social media: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock.”

And now, their ex-husband David Ludford has also since released a statement.

“My heart literally sank when I got the call. Never in a million years did I ever think I’d ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams.” he said. “This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we were going to be together for along time!

The pair got married in 2019 before splitting up in 2023 (Instagram/@d.ludford)

“He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone. We literally went through and did so much together it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn’t have changed the time we spent together for anything in the world!”

He continued: “I feel like a tit feeling this upset and hurt because we have been fully divorced for just over a year now but we was together 6 year and we loved each other so much and you can’t take away.

“I’m so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my life for such a long time. 6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with.

“You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel.”

The pair tied the knot at Heaven, a gay nightclub based in London, in December 2019, and in 2023, The Vivienne confirmed their breakup after revealing that the two had ‘grown apart’.

They wrote on Instagram (via The Mirror): “We wish each the absolute best and will always be part of each others lives.”

Earlier on Monday (January 6), Cheshire Police said in a statement that they were called to an address near Chester, UK, on Sunday regarding the death of a 32-year-old man, however, they added that there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’.

The 76-year-old actor, who is known for her work in titles like Titanic, Misery, American Horror Story and The Office, was nominated at the Golden Globes in the category of Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama for her role in the CBS series Matlock.

Bates made this clear to viewers watching the show, but not because she went up on stage and read it out.

Instead, Bates showed off her speech when the winner of the award was revealed, and she learned she’d lost out to Sawai for her performance in Shōgun.

Cameras at the ceremony showed the reactions of the nominees as Sawai was announced as the winner, and while all five remaining actors broke into applause, Bates added a humorous – if a little awkward – flare to her reaction.

Just as the camera went to cut away from her, the actor could be seen tearing up a piece of paper – presumably her speech – and dropping it to the ground, all the while looking directly at the lens.

Viewers managed to catch Bates’ reaction and couldn’t help call attention to it online, with one person writing: “Kathy Bates ripping up her speech was peak legend energy!”

“Kathy Bates tearing up her acceptance speech after losing the Golden Globe? Classic! Love her spirit!,” another fan wrote on Twitter, as a third commented: “Kathy Bates ripping up her prepared awards speech on camera – so real.”

Kathy Bates was nominated for her role in Matlock (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Though Bates didn’t manage to secure the win for her role, she’s previously spoken about the impact Matlock has had on her life, especially as an actor in her mid-70s.

Speaking to CBS last year, she said: “All of the sudden, I got this script, and I thought, ‘Oh wow. I’ve got to do it.’

“That was also a big deal for me about being invisible. There’s so many women my age who really do feel invisible, and these years are difficult to put that despair at bay to get through everyday. I think if I wasn’t doing this show, I might feel the same way. But it’s all changed overnight.”