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Man Wearing Weight-Training Chain Dies After Being Pulled Into MRI Machine in New York

NEW YORK (BN24) — A 61-year-old man died after being violently pulled into an MRI machine at a Long Island imaging center when the magnetic field locked onto a heavy weight-training chain around his neck, according to police and his wife.

The fatal incident occurred Wednesday afternoon inside the Nassau Open MRI facility in New Hyde Park while a scan was in progress. Authorities said the machine’s powerful magnet activated while the man was in the room, drawing him forcefully by the 20-pound chain and slamming him into the MRI device. He died from his injuries Thursday afternoon, Nassau County Police said.

The man’s name has not been publicly released pending official notification, though his wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, identified him in an emotional interview with News 12 Long Island as Keith McAllister.

Jones-McAllister said she had been undergoing a knee MRI and had asked a technician to bring in her husband for assistance. She recounted that the staff member allowed McAllister into the room, despite the fact that he was still wearing the heavy metal chain, which the couple had previously joked about with staff.

“When he got close to me, the machine switched him around and pulled him in,” she told News 12, holding back tears. “He waved goodbye to me and then his whole body went limp in my arms.”

She described a desperate moment as she pleaded with the technician to shut off the MRI. The technician tried to help her pull him off the machine, she said, but the magnetic force was too strong. McAllister reportedly suffered multiple heart attacks after being freed and was later pronounced dead.

Calls to Nassau Open MRI on Friday were not returned. The facility declined to comment.

This is not the first fatality in New York involving the magnetic force of an MRI machine. In 2001, 6-year-old Michael Colombini died after an oxygen tank was pulled into an MRI chamber at Westchester Medical Center. That tragedy led to a $2.9 million legal settlement for the boy’s family and prompted safety reforms across many U.S. hospitals.

Experts emphasize that MRI scanners generate strong magnetic fields capable of turning certain metals into dangerous projectiles. The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering states the magnets can “fling a wheelchair across the room” and exert powerful forces on iron, steel, and other magnetizable materials.

The Nassau County Police Department continues to investigate the incident, including whether standard safety protocols were followed at the imaging center. The facility has not indicated whether staff involved have been suspended or disciplined.

Jones-McAllister expressed disbelief and heartbreak at the apparent lapse in safety.

“He should never have been allowed in there with that chain,” she said. “This didn’t have to happen.”

Israeli Gunfire Kills 32 Palestinians at U.S.-Linked Gaza Aid Sites, Health Officials Say

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (BN24) — Israeli troops opened fire on crowds of Palestinians attempting to reach food aid distribution sites in southern Gaza on Saturday, killing at least 32 people and wounding dozens more, Gaza health authorities said, as scenes of chaos and desperation played out near facilities operated by a U.S.- and Israeli-backed humanitarian group.

The violence unfolded near multiple aid hubs set up by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a new initiative supported by the U.S. and Israel, which seeks to replace the longstanding U.N.-led aid delivery system. Israel has accused Hamas of diverting U.N. supplies — a charge the U.N. has denied.

According to local witnesses and hospital officials, Israeli forces fired live rounds and machine-gun fire mounted on tanks and drones at unarmed civilians converging on the aid sites near Khan Younis and Rafah. Many of the victims had been waiting for food before dawn when the gunfire began.

“The occupation opened fire at us indiscriminately,” said Mahmoud Mokeimar, who was among the crowd near Khan Younis. “We were just trying to survive.”

One witness, Akram Aker, said the shooting occurred between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. as desperate civilians — mostly young men — approached the center. “They encircled us and started firing directly,” he said.

Sanaa al-Jaberi, an aid seeker, described the terror as people broke into a run when gunfire erupted. “Is this food or death?” she cried, clutching an empty bag.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received 25 bodies and 70 wounded, with head and chest gunshot wounds reported among the majority. A separate incident near another GHF hub in Rafah claimed seven more lives, including a woman. Medical workers said they were overwhelmed and lacked essential supplies, with patients — including children — being treated on the floor.

The Israeli military said troops fired warning shots overnight near Rafah when a group approached a secure area, but claimed the distribution center was closed at the time. The army did not directly address the deaths in Khan Younis. GHF stated there were no disturbances at their sites and warned civilians not to arrive in the early morning hours.

Meanwhile, multiple Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 24 more people on Saturday, including children and women, according to Gaza hospitals. Victims included displaced families in Gaza City, the family of a police official in central Gaza, and civilians struck while traveling in carts or gathered on major roads.

Israel’s military confirmed hitting around 90 targets across Gaza in the past 24 hours but did not comment on specific casualties.

The territory’s humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. More than 2 million Palestinians are trapped in dire conditions, and aid distribution is often disorganized and dangerous. At GHF sites, food boxes are simply dropped on the ground, sparking stampedes among starving crowds.

The Gaza Health Ministry says over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive since the war began in October 2023, after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in a cross-border assault. Israel says around 50 hostages remain in captivity, though fewer than half are believed to be alive.

Despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Qatar, no breakthrough has been reached. In Tel Aviv, relatives of hostages renewed calls for a deal, with thousands rallying and marching to the U.S. Embassy branch to demand an end to the war.

Meanwhile, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee condemned an arson attack by suspected Israeli settlers on a Palestinian church in Taybeh, calling it an “act of terror.” The incident adds to a surge in settler violence in the territory since the Gaza war began.

The Associated Press

At Least 30 Injured After Driver Plows Into Crowd Outside Los Angeles Music Venue

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — A chaotic and violent scene unfolded early Saturday in East Hollywood when a car careened into a crowd outside a popular music venue, injuring at least 30 people and prompting a massive emergency response. The driver, who authorities say intentionally rammed into the group, was later shot during a confrontation and remains hospitalized in surgery. The suspected shooter fled the scene and is still at large.

The crash occurred around 2 a.m. near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, outside The Vermont, a live music venue. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, 23 victims were transported to hospitals, including seven in critical condition and six in serious condition. More than a dozen others were treated at the scene.

Police said the crash followed an altercation involving the driver, who had allegedly been removed from a nearby business shortly before he returned in a vehicle and drove into a crowd of patrons, valet workers, and street vendors gathered outside the venue.

As the vehicle came to a stop, bystanders dragged the driver from the car and began to assault him. During the melee, the driver was shot by an unidentified male who fled on foot. The Los Angeles Police Department described the suspect as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, bald, wearing a blue jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver. Authorities say he was last seen heading westbound from Vermont Avenue.

The motive for the crash remains under investigation, but LAPD sources told ABC News that the driver will face charges of assault with a deadly weapon. The shooting occurred after the driver struck the crowd, not before, according to initial findings.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Saturday. “The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning — a full investigation into what happened is underway.” She also thanked the more than 100 fire and police personnel who responded swiftly to the incident.

The Vermont issued a statement expressing sorrow over the crash and said it was working closely with investigators. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” the venue said.

Authorities deployed 124 fire personnel to the scene to assist with triage and transportation of the injured. The crowd at the time included concertgoers, food vendors from a nearby taco stand, and valet staff.

The LAPD is continuing its investigation into both the crash and the shooting. No arrests have been made in connection with the gunfire.

‘Gangster Granny’ Jailed for Running UK-Wide £80M Cocaine Empire With Family

LONDON (BN24) — A 65-year-old woman known as “gangster granny” has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for leading a sprawling cocaine distribution ring across the UK, involving her own children and relatives in a drug empire that trafficked nearly a tonne of Class A drugs valued at £80 million.

Deborah Mason, also nicknamed “Queen Bee” by her criminal network, was described by prosecutors as the operational force behind the family-run syndicate. On Friday, Woolwich Crown Court sentenced Mason and seven accomplices to a combined 106.5 years in prison after convicting them of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

According to police and court testimony, Mason maintained encrypted communications with an upstream cocaine supplier known as “Bugsy” and coordinated deliveries from ports like Harwich to dozens of destinations across England, including Cardiff, Bradford, Rotherham, Leicester, and Southend. Over the course of seven months, the gang moved vast quantities of imported cocaine, often using vehicles to transport the drugs while taking along young children to mask suspicion.

Mason reportedly used her profits to fund a lavish lifestyle, including designer accessories like a Gucci collar and lead for her cat and plans for cosmetic surgery trips to Turkey. During the operation, she was also receiving over £50,000 annually in public assistance benefits, the court heard.

“You were effectively the site foreman working under the direction of a site manager,” said Judge Philip Shorrock during sentencing. “As a mother, you should have been setting an example for your children, not corrupting them.”

Prosecutor Charlotte Hole said Mason actively recruited her sister, children, and their partners into the operation, building a network of at least ten people. Though there was no evidence of coercion, the group was “motivated by financial benefit,” she said. Each member earned more than £1,000 per day, according to estimates by the Metropolitan Police.

Mason was involved in 20 drug runs herself, moving 356 kilograms of cocaine. She was sentenced alongside:

  • Roseanne Mason, 29 – 11 years
  • Demi Bright, 30 – 11 years
  • Lillie Bright, 26 – 13 years
  • Anita Slaughter, 44 – 13 years
  • Demi Kendall, 31 – 13 years and 6 months
  • Reggie Bright, 24 – 15 years
  • Tina Golding, 66 – 10 years

Several of the convicted gang members, including Reggie Bright and Demi Kendall, also pleaded guilty to charges of possessing criminal property and additional drug supply offenses after police seized cocaine and over £15,000 in cash.

Chloe Hodgkin, 23, who is currently pregnant, will be sentenced at a later date.

The case highlights what police called a “brazen” criminal enterprise that ran for months before its collapse. Authorities warned the public against glamorizing the gang’s lifestyle, noting the devastating effects of the drug trade on communities and families.

news.sky

Judge Tosses Trump’s Copyright Lawsuit Against Bob Woodward, Simon & Schuster Over Interview Audiobook

NEW YORK (BN24) — A federal judge has dismissed President Donald Trump’s high-profile copyright lawsuit against journalist Bob Woodward and publishing giant Simon & Schuster, ruling that Trump failed to demonstrate he holds any legal ownership over the interview recordings featured in the 2022 audiobook The Trump Tapes.

U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe of the Southern District of New York issued the ruling Friday, declaring that Trump’s legal team did not plausibly argue that he has a copyright claim over the 20 interviews he voluntarily gave to Woodward between 2016 and 2020. The audiobook, compiled and released by Woodward in 2022, featured those interviews in full and became a major political flashpoint.

While the judge gave Trump 30 days to submit an amended complaint, Gardephe emphasized in his 81-page ruling that “it appears unlikely” Trump could make a credible case that he shares authorship or ownership rights in the recordings.

Trump filed the lawsuit in January 2023, seeking nearly $50 million in damages. He claimed the recordings were used without his permission and constituted “protected material” not intended for public distribution. His legal team argued that Woodward’s use of the interviews—originally conducted for Woodward’s books including Rage—violated copyright protections.

Woodward and Simon & Schuster dismissed the suit as meritless from the outset and vowed to defend their right to publish. On Friday, the publisher welcomed the ruling.

“We’re very pleased the Court agreed with us and dismissed the case,” Simon & Schuster said in a statement.

The ruling landed the same day Trump filed an unrelated lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, escalating his ongoing legal battles with major media organizations. The former president, who is once again running for office, has repeatedly clashed with journalists and publishers over their portrayals of his presidency and public comments.

In the courtroom, Judge Gardephe made clear that consent to interviews does not equate to shared ownership over the recordings. His ruling noted that Trump offered no substantial legal precedent supporting his claim to joint authorship, and Woodward’s work stood as a product of independent journalism.

With the dismissal, Trump faces a decision on whether to try to revive the claim with new legal arguments or abandon the challenge altogether. For now, the case marks another failed effort in his broader campaign against the media’s use of his own words.

Astronomer CEO Placed on Leave After Viral Coldplay Concert Video Sparks Internal Investigation

NEW YORK (BN24) — Tech company Astronomer has placed CEO Andy Byron on leave after a video from a Coldplay concert showing him embracing a colleague went viral online, prompting the firm’s board to launch a formal internal investigation into the incident.

The footage, taken at Coldplay’s Wednesday night performance at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, appeared on the stadium’s Jumbotron and captured Byron closely embracing Kristin Cabot, the company’s chief people officer, who also oversees human resources. When the two noticed the camera, they quickly separated, with Byron ducking out of frame. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin added to the moment’s awkwardness by joking on the microphone, “Whoa, look at these two—either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”

The video quickly exploded across social media platforms, with online sleuths identifying both Byron and Cabot. Memes and parodies soon followed, amplifying public interest and scrutiny.

In a statement released late Friday, Astronomer confirmed Byron had been placed on leave and that cofounder and chief product officer Pete DeJoy would serve as interim CEO while the company conducts a full review.

“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” the company said in its official statement, adding that the board “has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”

The company also addressed the wave of misinformation that emerged in the aftermath of the video’s release, including the incorrect identification of a third individual seen in the clip and the circulation of a parody social media account falsely claiming to represent Byron.

Founded in New York, Astronomer is best known in the tech world for its work with data orchestration and cloud-based tools. The sudden thrust into viral spotlight over a personal incident has now placed its leadership culture under scrutiny.

CNN has reached out to representatives for both Coldplay and Astronomer for additional comment. Neither Byron nor Cabot have issued public statements regarding the incident.

As the investigation proceeds, the viral moment continues to generate debate over executive behavior, privacy in public spaces, and how quickly the internet can turn a fleeting concert moment into a professional crisis.

Source: CNN

Colombian Gold Miners Rescued After 18-Hour Ordeal Underground

MEDELLÍN, Colombia (BN24) — Eighteen Colombian gold miners trapped underground for nearly 18 hours were safely rescued early Friday morning after emergency crews worked through the night to reach them. The miners had been stuck inside the El Minón mine, located in the Antioquia region’s Remedios municipality, following an equipment failure that led to a structural collapse, officials said.

Colombia’s National Mining Agency (ANM) confirmed that all the miners were brought to the surface alive and in good health following a complex rescue operation that lasted about 12 hours. Footage from the scene showed emotional reunions, with fellow miners cheering and clapping as their colleagues emerged one by one from the narrow mine shaft.

The incident began Thursday afternoon when a mechanical failure caused a collapse in a key support structure designed to prevent landslides within the mine, said Yarley Erasmo Marin, a local mining association leader, speaking to AFP. The collapse blocked the main exit, trapping the workers deep underground with limited air and light.

Oxygen was supplied through hoses during the ordeal, according to reports from local radio station ABC, which helped sustain the miners as crews drilled and cleared debris to reach them.

Energy Minister Andrés Camacho announced the successful rescue on social media just after 3:00 a.m. local time Friday, praising the efforts of emergency responders and calling the operation a “testament to the courage and resilience of Colombian workers.”

However, questions are emerging over the legality of the El Minón mine. In a letter to national authorities, the mayor of Remedios said the mine appeared to be operating without official permits. The ANM echoed that concern, urging mining communities to avoid unlicensed operations, which it said pose “serious risks to human life, the environment, and the nation’s resources.”

Mining accidents are a recurring issue in Colombia, where both legal and illegal mining operations are widespread. Dozens of fatalities have been recorded in recent years, often due to lax safety standards or unregulated practices in remote regions.

While this latest incident ended without loss of life, it has reignited debates about mining oversight, worker safety, and the ongoing dangers associated with unauthorized mining operations in the country’s resource-rich northwest.

bbc.com

Iran Threatens to Resume War With Israel Amid Fragile Ceasefire, Rising Nuclear Tensions

TEHRAN, Iran (BN24) — Iran’s top military commanders have issued stark warnings that the country is fully prepared to resume war with Israel if provoked, just days after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire brought an uneasy end to a 12-day conflict. The bold statements from Tehran have heightened fears across the region that a return to open hostilities may be imminent.

Major General Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), declared that Iranian forces are “fully prepared to resume combat from exactly where it stopped.” Speaking alongside Iran’s Army chief, Major General Amir Hatami, Pakpour vowed that “aggressors will not be spared” and praised what he called the “unity and strength of the Iranian people.” He emphasized that while Iran does not seek war, it will respond decisively if attacked.

The statement comes amid fresh signals from Israel that it considers the recent round of fighting incomplete. Israeli Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said bluntly, “The campaign against Iran is not over. We are entering a new phase.”

While Washington continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution, the Biden administration is keeping military options on the table, underscoring the volatile balance between pressure and peace. With the Middle East already on edge, Iran’s posture further complicates U.S. efforts to defuse the situation.

In parallel to the growing military rhetoric, controversy has erupted over the status of Iran’s nuclear program following recent U.S. airstrikes. A new intelligence assessment obtained by NBC News contradicts claims made by President Donald Trump that Iran’s nuclear sites had been “obliterated.”

According to multiple U.S. officials familiar with the findings, the Fordow nuclear enrichment facility was significantly damaged during last month’s strikes. However, the key facilities at Isfahan and Natanz reportedly sustained limited setbacks and could resume operations within months.

The assessment drew immediate backlash from Trump allies. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell took to social media, writing, “False. The credibility of the Fake News Media is similar to that of the current state of the Iranian nuclear facilities: destroyed, in the dirt, and will take years to recover.”

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to revive the nuclear agreement remain stalled. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected demands from European leaders and the U.S. to finalize a new deal by the end of August, calling such deadlines unfair and one-sided.

In a statement following calls with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, the U.K., and EU diplomat Josep Borrell, Araghchi pushed back, saying, “It was the U.S. that withdrew from a two-year negotiated deal—coordinated by the EU in 2015—not Iran.” He added that it was Washington, not Tehran, that abandoned negotiations in June in favor of a military strike.

Iran continues to insist that it will only re-enter talks under terms it considers balanced and just, warning that further Western pressure could derail diplomacy altogether.

As regional leaders brace for the next move, Iran’s threats to reignite the war have deepened concerns about the durability of the current ceasefire. While U.S. officials press for renewed negotiations and restraint, both Iran and Israel are digging in, leaving the prospect of renewed fighting perilously close.

With military threats, nuclear site uncertainties, and failed diplomacy intertwining, the Middle East finds itself teetering between a fragile peace and the brink of a broader conflict.

Toddler Dies After Being Left in Hot Car in Southern Belgium, Authorities Launch Manslaughter Probe

NAMUR, Belgium (BN24) — A 15-month-old baby has died from heat exposure after being left for hours inside a parked car in the southern Belgian city of Namur, local prosecutors said Friday, prompting a manslaughter investigation into the tragic incident.

Authorities believe the child was unintentionally left behind by a parent on Thursday, as outdoor temperatures in the region climbed to around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). According to initial findings from the investigation, the baby died from hyperthermia, or overheating, after being left unattended inside the vehicle for several hours.

The Namur prosecutor’s office confirmed that a forensic examination found no signs of foul play. “According to the preliminary findings of the investigation, the child was forgotten inside a vehicle,” officials stated.

Local media reported that the baby’s father had intended to drop the child off at daycare before heading to work, but instead proceeded directly to his company, unknowingly leaving the infant in the back seat. The car was reportedly parked at his workplace for the entire day.

The child’s death has shocked the local community and reignited concern about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, even in seemingly moderate temperatures. Experts warn that the temperature inside a parked car can quickly rise to dangerous levels, putting young children at extreme risk of fatal heatstroke.

The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors determine whether charges will be filed in what is being treated as a case of manslaughter due to negligence.

Real Madrid Star Endrick Holds Wedding Ceremony with Gabriely Miranda, Nearly a Year After Marriage (PHOTOS)

MADRID (BN24) — Real Madrid forward Endrick and Gabriely Miranda have held a long-awaited wedding ceremony, nearly a year after the Brazilian couple officially married in September 2024. The event marked the public celebration of their union, with photos showing the pair exchanging rings in a private gathering.

Endrick, 18, who signed with Real Madrid from Palmeiras, has been romantically linked with Miranda since his teenage years. Miranda, a 24-year-old Brazilian model and social media influencer, has been a visible presence in Endrick’s life since his rise at Palmeiras and was notably present during his unveiling at Real Madrid last summer.

Though their legal marriage took place months earlier, the ceremony held this week was the first public celebration of their relationship. Miranda began dating Endrick in 2023, with the couple marrying within a year of meeting. The six-year age gap between them has drawn public scrutiny in Brazil, especially given that Endrick was still 17 when the relationship began.

Miranda previously shared that she had no idea Endrick was a footballer when they first met by chance at a mall. “He was sitting alone, and I thought, ‘What a wonderful man,’” she recalled in an interview. “He had a seductive look and strong character. I fell in love instantly — and only later found out he played for Palmeiras.”

Their relationship has made headlines in Brazil not only due to the age gap but also due to a unique ‘relationship contract’ they created together. Speaking on the popular podcast Pod Delas, Endrick confirmed that he and Miranda had agreed on a set of rules to maintain trust and affection in their relationship.

Among the stipulations is a requirement to always say “I love you” in any situation. The contract also bans both from forming addictions to substances like alcohol or drugs. According to Endrick, the agreement was born out of a shared desire to protect their bond amid growing media attention.

Now on vacation with his wife, Endrick is enjoying time off before rejoining Real Madrid’s preseason training in early August. The teenage striker, one of the most hyped young talents in world football, will turn 19 on July 21.