THE WIZARD OF OZ CURSE

The Wizard of Oz is remembered as one of Hollywood’s most magical films, but behind the shimmering Technicolor lies a darker legend—a supposed curse that haunted its cast and crew. While the idea of a supernatural hex makes for a chilling tale, the truth is far more human, and perhaps even more unsettling.

The production was fraught with danger from the start. Buddy Ebsen, the original Tin Man, nearly died after inhaling aluminum powder used in his makeup, forcing him to abandon the role. His replacement, Jack Haley, fared only slightly better, suffering an eye infection from the revised formula. Margaret Hamilton, the Wicked Witch of the West, endured second- and third-degree burns during a fiery stunt gone wrong, and her stunt double was hospitalized after a broom prop exploded. Even the snow that blanketed the poppy field was toxic—made entirely of asbestos, a substance now infamous for its deadly effects.

These accidents were real, but they weren’t the work of a curse. They were the result of early Hollywood’s relentless pursuit of spectacle, where safety often took a back seat to innovation. Yet rumors persisted. Some claimed a Munchkin actor hanged himself on set, pointing to a shadowy figure in the background of a forest scene. In reality, it was a bird brought in to make the set look more alive. Others whispered about Judy Garland being forced onto harsh diets and drugs to maintain her youthful appearance—a tragic truth exaggerated into something even darker.

Film historians like John Fricke have spent decades debunking these myths, reminding us that the chaos on set was born of ambition, not the supernatural. Still, the legend of the curse endures, fueled by fascination with Hollywood’s golden age and the eerie contrast between the film’s whimsical charm and the suffering behind the scenes.

In the end, The Wizard of Oz remains a masterpiece, but its magic came at a cost. Not a curse, but a cautionary tale—a reminder that even the most enchanting stories can hide shadows behind the curtain...

THE KENNEDY CONSPIRACY: LYNDON B. JOHNSON

Lyndon B. Johnson’s ascent to the presidency on November 22, 1963—just hours after John F. Kennedy was assassinated—sparked a flurry of speculation. Among the most persistent conspiracy theories is the claim that Johnson, motivated by ambition and internal tensions, orchestrated the assassination. But how credible are these notions?

In the immediate aftermath of Kennedy’s death, President Johnson moved quickly to establish the Warren Commission to investigate the tragedy. The commission, led by Chief Justice Earl Warren and appointed by Johnson on November 29, 1963, reviewed 552 witness testimonies and extensive evidence from the FBI, Secret Service, and other agencies. Its conclusion was decisive: Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone; no domestic or international conspiracy was confirmed. 

Despite these findings, conspiracy theories swirled—some mentioning Johnson. As noted by historian Kaleena Fraga, Johnson and Kennedy had a strained relationship. Rumors suggested Johnson feared he might be replaced on the ticket in 1964. Books such as The Man Who Killed Kennedy: The Case Against LBJ—co-authored by controversial figure Roger Stone—cite an offhand remark allegedly attributed to Richard Nixon: “Lyndon and I both wanted to be President, the difference was I wouldn’t kill for it.” But mainstream historians acknowledge these claims lack concrete evidence.  

Modern investigations continue to reject Johnson involvement. The Encyclopedia Britannica describes his ambition and complex relationship with the Kennedys, but notes “there is scant evidence that Lyndon B. Johnson was actually involved in the assassination.” Despite motives suggested by conspiracy theorists, historical records remain inconclusive and unsubstantiated. 

In recent years, sensational claims have occasionally resurfaced—such as alleged leaked audio implicating Johnson and an alleged hitman. These stories, however, often originate from partisan or fringe sources (like Alex Jones), and lack rigorous authentication.

Official government actions further dismantle conspiracy claims. The Warren Commission’s comprehensive review, backed by unanimous agreement among leaders of the FBI, CIA, Secret Service, and Kennedy’s own Attorney General brother, Robert F. Kennedy, supports the single-shooter theory. A later House Select Committee on Assassinations (1976–79) did conclude a probable conspiracy, but it did not implicate Johnson, instead highlighting potential acoustic anomalies and unidentified second shooters—without naming any high‑level orchestrator...

THE SLAUGHTER OF RITA CAMILLERI

In July 2019, Jessica Camilleri, a 25-year-old Australian, murdered her 57-year-old mother, Rita Camilleri, by stabbing her at least 100 times with multiple knives, four of which broke during the attack. She then decapitated her mother and carried her head out onto the street.

Despite warnings from a neighbor and family friend that Jessica posed a serious threat, Rita remained convinced of her daughter's innocence, stating, "Not my Jessica, she wouldn't hurt a fly." Two weeks later, Rita was dead.

Rita Camilleri was a kindhearted, selfless 57 year old mother and grandmother who met an awful fate at the hand of her own flesh and blood, her daughter Jessica. Jessica, then 27, suffered from numerous mental health conditions and refused to get the help she so desperately needed, despite the efforts of Rita and other family members. As a result the unthinkable happened.

Jessica initially claimed she acted in self-defense, stating her mother had tried to k*ll her. However, she later admitted to a forensic psychologist that she had "hacked like a butcher" and twisted her mother's head off.

In 2021, Jessica was found not guilty of murder due to "substantial mental health issues," including ADHD and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and was instead sentenced to 21 years in prison, with a non-parole period of 16 years, for the lesser charge of manslaughter...

NEWS BREAK: NANCY GUTHRIE UPDATE

News anchor Savannah Guthrie says 'we will pay' in plea for mother's return. Savannah Guthrie and her family have released a new video pleading for the safe return of their mother.

"We received your message, and we understand," Guthrie said in the video posted to Instagram on Saturday evening, flanked by her two siblings. "We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her."

"This is the only way we will have peace," she continued. "This is very valuable to us - and we will pay." Her video did not provide any details about the message she referenced.

Nancy Guthrie disappeared in the middle of night from her home in Tucson, Arizona, last weekend. Authorities believe she was taken against her will.

On Sunday, the sheriff's office said in a post on social media that no suspects, persons of interest or vehicles had been identified in the case. In a separate post, the sheriff's office also said officers would "maintain a presence at Nancy Guthrie's residence for security", at the request of the Guthrie family. The FBI is offering a $50,000 (£36,000) reward for information.

Nancy Guthrie was discovered missing when she did not attend a Sunday church service on 1 February and other members grew concerned. Authorities say that early on Sunday morning, a doorbell camera in her home was disconnected and removed. At about 02:28 local time, the app connected to her pacemaker, an implanted cardiac device, was disconnected from her phone.

FBI Special Agent Heith Janke has said the bureau was looking into a potential ransom note sent to several media outlets. Authorities said on Friday that they were "aware of a new message regarding Nancy Guthrie" and were "inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity".

Janke said the note "had facts associated with a deadline with a monetary value they were asking for", NBC News reported.

A presenter for a local CBS News affiliate told the BBC that her channel had received the "message" but did not detail its contents.

According to news website TMZ, which reportedly received one of the letters, the kidnappers were demanding millions of dollars' worth of cryptocurrency, which is popular with criminals and often difficult to trace.

The family has released two previous videos saying they were willing to speak to the potential kidnapper, and asking to provide proof that her mother was alive.

In a video on Thursday, Camron Guthrie - the son of the missing woman - confirmed the family had not had any direct contact with kidnappers.

"We have to know that you have our mum," Camron said in the family's latest video message. "We want to talk to you."

The FBI did arrest one individual regarding a fake ransom note on Thursday.

Family, and law enforcement, have warned that Nancy Guthrie may be at risk without her medication.

"She is without any medicine," Savannah Guthrie said in a previous announcement. "She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer."

The Pima County sheriff's office said investigators had returned to conduct "follow-up" at Nancy Guthrie's home on Friday as part of their investigation. They also revisited the home of Annie Guthrie, Nancy's daughter and Savannah's sister on Saturday, according to multiple US news outlets...

UFO SIGHTINGS OF 2026

The new year has barely begun, and already the skies are stirring with mystery. On January 2, residents of Alamogordo, New Mexico, looked up to see bright streaks cutting across the twilight sky. The lights hovered, then accelerated in ways that defied conventional aircraft behavior. While some suspected extraterrestrial visitors, experts later linked the phenomenon to a Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, its exhaust plume creating a surreal “jellyfish” effect against the fading light.

Just days later, on January 6, Casper, Wyoming became the stage for another puzzling event. A local resident captured footage of a luminous object darting across the evening sky. It wasn’t a plane, nor did it match any satellite trajectory. For now, it remains officially classified as an unidentified aerial phenomenon—a term that seems to be gaining more weight with each passing week.

January 9 brought a flurry of reports to UFO tracking networks. Witnesses described green orbs over Nevada, metallic almond-shaped craft hovering silently above Tijuana before shooting skyward, and a glowing orange orb drifting south over California. These sightings echo classic UFO characteristics: erratic movement, sudden acceleration, and an uncanny silence.

Meanwhile, the conversation around UFOs is no longer confined to fringe circles. On January 17, MUFON hosted retired Air Force officer Robert Salas, who revisited chilling accounts of UFOs near U.S. nuclear missile sites—stories that have haunted defense circles since the 1960s. Just three days later, the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. became the backdrop for a startling disclosure: Brazilian whistleblowers claimed firsthand contact with non-human entities during the infamous 1996 Varginha incident, urging global protections for those who dare to speak out.

Government attention is sharpening too. The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act now requires the Department of Defense to brief Congress on UAP intercepts near critical infrastructure. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office continues its work, analyzing sightings and publishing updates on official channels. Even MUFON is stepping up, showcasing authenticated UFO photographs and film reels that challenge skeptics to look closer.

Beyond official halls, the cultural wave is undeniable. YouTube channels are curating eerie compilations of hovering lights and vanishing objects, while podcasts speculate that 2026 could be the year of full disclosure—a turning point for humanity’s understanding of its place in the cosmos.

As January closes, one thing is clear: UFOs are no longer a late-night curiosity. They’re a global conversation, a scientific puzzle, and perhaps a harbinger of truths long hidden. Whether these phenomena are advanced technology, natural anomalies, or something far stranger, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where the skies refuse to stay silent...

VIDEO BREAK: SAVANNAH GUTHRIE'S EMOTIONAL PLEA

NEWS BREAK: NANCY GUTHRIE DISAPPEARANCE - IS THE SON 'IN' LAW INVOLVED?

There's a stunning twist in the kidnapping of "TODAY" anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy ... her son-in-law might be the prime suspect, according to Ashleigh Banfield. Banfield — the former host of Banfield on News Nation — reported Tuesday night ... Tommaso Cioni — has been identified by police as the possible suspect in the case, citing a law enforcement source.

The veteran journalist says Cioni is married to Savannah's sister Annie -- and the two were the last people to see Nancy on Saturday night. Annie reportedly had dinner with Nancy that night ... but it's unclear if Cioni was also present. As you know, Nancy's family called police Sunday after they got word she didn't show up to her regular Sunday church service.

Now, Banfield says investigators have towed Annie's car, which has "some connection" to 50-year-old Cioni. Banfield adds that all the cameras at Nancy's Tucson, Arizona home were smashed in.

Earlier Tuesday, News Nation published a video showing a trail of blood leading to the front steps of Nancy's house. The Los Angeles Times also reports that blood was found at the crime scene, which belonged to Nancy.

TMZ was sent an alleged ransom note from an unknown person or persons who demanded payment in exchange for Nancy's release. The Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI are investigating whether the note is authentic...