New Orleans mayor and bodyguard lover charged with fraud and corruption.

 

The mayor of New Orleans and her bodyguard have been charged with fraud and corruption offences over claims they used public funds to fuel an alleged romance.

Prosecutors said on Friday that LaToya Cantrell developed a "personal, intimate relationship" with Jeffrey Vappie from October 2021, while he was part of her protection team.

From then until his retirement in June 2024, the pair are accused of claiming Mr Vappie was on duty when they were actually engaged in "personal activities", including during 14 separate domestic and international trips.

Neither Cantrell nor Mr Vappie have publicly commented on the allegations.

Tropical Storm Erin could become Atlantic season's 1st hurricane later this week, forecasters say

 

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Erin formed Monday in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean and could become the first hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season later this week, forecasters say.

In the Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Henriette strengthened well away from Hawaii. But the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said no coastal watches or warnings are in effect for either storm.

By Monday afternoon, Erin was about 430 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph, according to the hurricane center. It said Erin was moving westward at 20 mph and is expected to continue on that general path for several days.

Gradual strengthening was forecast over the next several days and forecasters said Erin could reach hurricane intensity by the latter part of the week. The hurricane center said it remains too early to determine possible impacts, if any, from Erin as it moves closer to the northern Leeward Islands.

Anas al-Sharif, prominent Al Jazeera correspondent, among five journalists killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza

 

A prominent Al Jazeera journalist who had previously been threatened by Israel has been killed along with four colleagues in an Israeli airstrike.

Anas al-Sharif, who was one of Al Jazeera’s most recognisable faces in Gaza, was killed while inside a tent for journalists outside al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on Sunday night. His funeral was held on Monday morning.

Seven people in total were killed in the attack, including al-Sharif, Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa, according to the Qatar-based broadcaster.Calling al-Sharif “one of Gaza’s bravest journalists,” Al Jazeera said the attack was “a desperate attempt to silence voices in anticipation of the occupation of Gaza.”

Last month Israeli IDF spokesperson Avichai Adraee shared a video of al-Sharif on X and accused him of being a member of Hamas’ military wing. At the time the UN special rapporteur on freedom of expression, Irene Khan, called it “an unsubstantiated claim” and a “blatant assault on journalists”.

Steelers defeat Jaguars, 31-25

The Steelers opened the preseason with a 31-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, holding on at the end, while getting a good look at players at multiple positions, including the quarterback spot.

Mason Rudolph, who returned to the Steelers this offseason after spending the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans, and Skylar Thompson handled the majority of the quarterback duties, while the debut of rookie Will Howard didn't happen due to an injury suffered in training camp.

Rudolph started the game, completing nine of 10 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown pass to tight end Darnell Washington.

"(Offensive coordinator) Arthur (Smith) did a good job of calling some aggressive shots over the middle," said Rudolph. "First couple plays and first drive. Roman Wilson made a really nice catch to kind of get us going. So, it was fun.

"Good to be back in the black and gold. Just a lot of friends, a lot of dear friends and coaches that I've spent a lot of time with and there's just a level of comfortability there that you can't really replace."

Thompson entered the game in the second quarter, finishing the night completing 20 of 28 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns.

"I was super excited to get out and compete today," said Thompson. "Coming into a new organization, new team, a little bit of a fresh start for me. I was excited to go play some football with all my teammates and definitely did that today."

Wrexham can enjoy 'underdog' tag at Southampton

 

Boss Phil Parkinson believes Wrexham can enjoy the "underdog" tag as they begin their 2025-26 Championship campaign at Southampton today (12:30 BST).

Two tiers separated the sides last season, although the Saints are among the promotion favourites this term to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

Ahead of what will be his side's first season in the second tier since 1981-82, Parkinson says it is difficult to predict what Wrexham can expect against Will Still's outfit.

"There's huge expectation on the teams who have come down and we can enjoy that underdog card going down there," he said.

"What am I expecting? It's difficult to predict their line-up because they've had a few injuries over pre-season and a few players in the background may be moving, they may still be there.

"I'm sure their manager is getting asked the same questions I am.

"If it's three or four weeks into the season, you can predict how teams are going to play and what shape they're going to play, but I think this one is slightly more difficult.

"So it's about concentrating on what we feel we need to do to be at our best at the weekend."

Heading into his fifth campaign as manager with Wrexham, Parkinson has already secured three promotions during his time at the Stok Cae Ras.

And the 57-year-old says he was afforded some time during the off-season to be with his family to reflect on the club's remarkable progress, rising from the National League under the ownership of Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

"There's definitely been some reflection. We all had our separate holidays and it was great to be away with the family and see my parents who live in the North East and spend a bit of time with them to talk about the achievement," he said.

"Once the season is up and running, it's kind of 100mph.

"When you look at the competitiveness of that division (League One), to get promoted was tremendous for us all.

"It was a huge effort. Sometimes people look at us and think 'Wrexham have just spent money, that's it'. No, there's a lot of detail, thought and structure behind the scenes which has taken place to enable us to get those three promotions."