Ben and Candy Carson's Struggle for Families

Ben and Candy Carson's Struggle for Families

M Hasan    11:00 AM   

A Lasting Partnership

Dr. Ben Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon, former Republican presidential candidate, and former U.S. Housing and Urban Development secretary, is known for his strong public presence. However, those who follow his social media accounts will notice that he is not alone in sharing the spotlight. His wife, Candy Carson, plays an equally significant role in their public life. She is credited on the cover of many of his books and has been a constant presence in his career. The Carsons have built a partnership that extends beyond personal life into professional endeavors, making it difficult to find a public-facing platform where they are apart.

This close collaboration is by design. The Carsons, who will be honored by the Sutherland Institute at its 30th anniversary awards dinner, are recognized as prominent advocates for the American family. Their work, particularly in the 2024 book "The Perilous Fight," highlights their commitment to defending the family as a core institution. The Sutherland Institute’s decision to present the Family Values Award to both Dr. and Candy Carson together reflects the deep connection between their lives and work.

Rick Larsen, president and CEO of the Sutherland Institute, explained that while the award was initially considered for Dr. Carson alone, the team realized how integral Candy Carson is to their message. “When you read their book and Candy’s book, ‘A Doctor in the House,’ you realize they’re inseparable,” Larsen said. “They’re in this together.”

A Half-Century of Partnership

Dr. Carson and Candy have been married for 50 years, and their relationship has evolved over time. In the early days of his medical career, Dr. Carson was incredibly busy as a pediatric neurosurgeon. When he became director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, the division was not well-known. He spent years working to elevate its reputation, which eventually led to it being named the No. 1 pediatric neurosurgery division by U.S. News and World Report in 2008.

During this time, Candy focused on raising their children. Despite having an advanced degree from Yale and an MBA, she put her career on hold to care for their family. At the same time, she was also starting the Carsons Scholars Program, which provides college scholarships to students who excel academically and serve their communities.

Defending Family and Faith

In today’s political climate, discussing families and communities of faith can be controversial. The Sutherland Institute has long defended these institutions based on data and historical evidence. “Data shows that intact families in communities of faith tend to thrive,” Larsen said. “We’re completely aligned with Dr. Carson and Candy Carson’s new book where they make these points.”

The Carsons argue that the American family is under attack from various forces, including modern-day Marxists, socialists, and globalists. They reference W. Cleon Skousen’s 1958 book “The Naked Communist,” which outlines strategies aimed at undermining traditional values. These include discrediting the family and encouraging promiscuity and easy divorce.

The Perilous Fight

The title of the Carsons’ book, "The Perilous Fight," is inspired by a line from "The Star-Spangled Banner." They use this metaphor to describe the ongoing challenges facing the American family. Like Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, the family is under sustained attack, with enemies chipping away at its foundation for decades.

For Dr. Carson, the importance of a strong, two-parent family stems from his own childhood. His father left when he was young, and his mother worked multiple jobs to support her sons. Despite having only a grade-school education, she instilled a love of learning in her children. One of the most poignant stories involves her requiring her sons to write book reports every week, even though she could not read them herself.

Education as a Solution

Dr. Carson believes that education is key to addressing many of the challenges facing society. He argues that ignorance is a major issue, citing examples of people who lack basic knowledge. “We have to fight that,” he said. “We have to educate people so they understand the values that have made this nation prosperous.”

Through the American Cornerstone Institute, the Carsons are working to promote conservative principles and policy solutions. Their Young Patriots program aims to teach children to value faith, liberty, community, and life. “We have a wonderful story to tell with this nation,” Dr. Carson said. “It has a moral base, and as we allow all of that to recede, we’re suffering the consequences.”

A Woman's Controversial Obituary for Her Mom Sparked Outrage — But I Believe We Need More of This

A Woman's Controversial Obituary for Her Mom Sparked Outrage — But I Believe We Need More of This

M Hasan    10:31 AM   

The Importance of Honesty in Obituaries

Many of us have been told, “don’t speak ill of the dead.” But what happens when someone who caused trauma dies? The idea that the deceased should be exempt from criticism simply because they’ve passed on is outdated and in desperate need of revision. For survivors of abuse, their abuser’s death might be their first opportunity to safely share their stories.

Cultural myths about the everlasting love of families — especially mothers — are beginning to be contested, as seen in Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” However, these honest recollections are often denied or disbelieved. A viral obituary detailing Gayle Harvey Heckman's lifetime of abuse at her mother's hands was pulled by a publication, which described it as a “spiteful hate piece against a beloved member of our community.” This response shows how uncomfortable society is with acknowledging the possibility that someone made heinous choices while alive.

The news media and most people in general seem to have specific expectations for how one is supposed to publicly perform grief. When someone dies, we’re expected to attend their funeral, cry, miss them, and write a flowery obituary. The unspoken rule is that we are never to suggest that the dead may have behaved reprehensibly in life. Any mention of a traumatic legacy is dismissed, as was the case for Heckman.

Personal Experiences with Obituaries

I myself am no stranger to trying — and failing — to publish an honest obituary. When my grandfather, whom I called “Pop,” died, I attempted to publish an honest paragraph about his life. I saw firsthand how he overcame a brutal marriage and lived his final years in Florida away from his ex-wife.

In the 1980s, my father picked up Pop from the side of a country road where he’d been walking barefoot, crying, after being kicked out of their home without a cent. As a child, I watched Pop sleep on our couch in Brooklyn with nowhere else to go, planning his next move. When I became an adult, we spent hours on the phone as he rehashed his regrets — including his marriage to my grandmother.

I am married, so I understand that every relationship has two sides. However, as a direct recipient of abuse by this same woman, my grandfather’s experiences deeply resonated with my own. My grandmother’s emotional, physical, and financial abuse touched every generation in our family.

The Impact of Abuse and Trauma

In 1980, she kicked my teenage parents and me out of her house when I was an infant. She decided on a whim that my underemployed father and postpartum mother could make it on their own, without a single resource. Family lore tells that the motivation had something to do with an argument over an untidy bathroom.

Later, after the unthinkable position she put us in, my grandmother publicly took credit for what my parents were able to overcome. Her lack of self-awareness will never not be breathtaking to me. When I was a young child, after my parents reconnected with my grandmother, my father felt it necessary to supervise her visits with my little sister and me, citing how physically and emotionally hostile she’d been with us when she thought no one was watching or listening.

Years later, I turned to trauma-informed therapy to come to terms with my upbringing and began to understand just how far-reaching and insidious my grandmother’s influence was. This woman’s most morally corrupt behavior was often carried out in private, reserved only for those who lived under her toxic thumb. Therefore, casual friends, acquaintances, or anyone on the periphery of her life would find such details hard — if not impossible — to believe.

This is why society’s stance toward obituaries needs rethinking. Those who were not previously aware of a person’s traumatic experiences can gain insight into what actually took place, and survivors of abuse can lift the veil of silence and move towards healing.

The Healing Power of Honest Obituaries

The best revenge is a life well lived. Upon reflecting on my grandfather’s life, I considered how leaving his abusive marriage and finding happiness as an Elvis devotee in the Sunshine State was perhaps his biggest accomplishment. He was also a veteran who found his post-service calling in restoring cars.

In writing about his life, I wanted to capture his triumphs and trials, but was shot down again and again. The newspapers wanted to hear nothing about the abuses he’d suffered and all that he had overcome on his path toward peace. My only option was to write something palatable and half-true — an easy-to-swallow fairy tale readers could easily and safely digest.

As much as I resented being silenced, the life Pop lived gave me plenty to work with. He was a truly beloved member of his community who unconditionally loved his family. My grandmother died last fall. As far as I know, she remained abusive to her last breath. I don’t believe there is any way to honor her life as she chose to live it, and for this reason, no one in the family has written an obituary for her. Perhaps this essay is the closest I’ll ever get to telling what I know to be the truth about her and the pain she inflicted.

The Truth Matters

Writing honest obituaries, for some, can be healing. Invalidating and dismissing a survivor’s experiences for the sake of our own emotional comfort can be retraumatizing. And telling a person that their experiences no longer matter because their abuser passed on is ghoulish. That’s not how the lasting effects of abuse and trauma work. A newspaper editor is not in any moral position to decide whether an obituary is a “spiteful hate piece.”

While it’s true that the deceased cannot defend themselves against any claims made about how they lived their lives, they also can no longer be held accountable for doing harm. Death hands them a full exoneration. Because of this, an honest obituary may be a survivor’s only path toward closure. As American novelist Anne Lamott said, “You own everything that happened to you. Tell your stories. If people wanted you to write warmly about them, they should have behaved better.” These are wise words for the rest of us.

I do not know the intricacies and intimacies of Heckman’s life — or her mother’s — beyond what was originally published by her, but I believe her. And I believe that telling our stories, however bleak or agonizing they may be, can be crucial to moving forward, processing trauma, and finally healing. Writing honest obituaries — whether it’s for a family member or a world leader — isn’t about getting even or besmirching someone’s good name and it certainly isn’t fun. It’s about telling the truth, holding people accountable for what they did, and hopefully, in doing so, finding a way to become whole again.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Christina Wyman is a writer and teacher living in Michigan. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, ELLE Magazine, Marie Claire, The Guardian, and other outlets. She hopes that her essays about intergenerational trauma contribute to destigmatizing the survivor stories that emerge from abusive and toxic family dynamics.

SNAP Uncertainty Sparks Aid and Donation Efforts

SNAP Uncertainty Sparks Aid and Donation Efforts

M Hasan    2:42 AM   

Addressing Food Insecurity During the Government Shutdown

As uncertainty surrounds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown, various organizations and community leaders in Louisiana are stepping up to ensure that no one goes hungry. With federal funding for SNAP benefits potentially delayed, local initiatives and food donation drives have become crucial in supporting families in need.

Government Actions and State Responses

President Trump made a notable statement on social media, indicating that SNAP benefits would only be distributed once the government shutdown ends. This has raised concerns among many households that rely on these benefits for their daily meals. However, Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana has taken steps to provide some relief. He announced that certain SNAP benefits will still be issued in November to households with elderly individuals, disabled members, or children. On the other hand, households composed solely of able-bodied adults will not receive state-funded emergency assistance.

This distinction highlights the varying levels of support available across different demographics and underscores the importance of community-driven solutions to fill any gaps in aid.

Local Organizations Step Up

Several local organizations are working tirelessly to address the growing need for food assistance. The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank remains committed to its mission of feeding the community. It serves multiple parishes, including East and West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, East and West Feliciana, St. Helena, Assumption, and St. James. The food bank distributes donated food through various community agencies such as pantries, meal sites, shelters, and soup kitchens.

During the holidays and amid the government shutdown, the food bank is in urgent need of donations. Individuals can contribute by clicking here to donate money or by visiting one of the distribution locations.

Another vital resource is the St. Vincent de Paul dining room, located at 220 St. Vincent De Paul Place in Baton Rouge. It provides hot, nutritious meals every day between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., along with to-go snacks. The dining room welcomes everyone without requiring identification or income verification. A “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” drive-thru donation event is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the corner of Florida Street and N. 17th Street. Donations collected will support the organization’s Food Services Program, which serves thousands of meals annually.

If individuals cannot attend the drive-thru event, they can make monetary donations online or mail checks to the specified address.

Community-Led Initiatives

In addition to established organizations, local businesses and community groups are also contributing to the cause. Jabby’s Pizza and Albina’s Catering have launched “No Kids Go Hungry Week,” offering free cheese pizzas to families who present a SNAP card. This initiative, running through the week while supplies last, aims to ensure that no child goes hungry due to the lapse in benefits.

Similarly, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is raising 8,000 pounds of food during the Zoo Lights event. Visitors who bring nonperishable food items will receive half-off admission. All donated food will benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, helping to support families in need during the holiday season.

The Salvation Army in Baton Rouge has also expanded its pantry hours and coordinated with local partners to assist those affected by the potential delays in SNAP benefits. They are urging the community to donate shelf-stable food items or make financial contributions to help keep groceries on the table for families.

Congressional Support

Congresswoman Julia Letlow recently visited St. Vincent de Paul to discuss the impact of the government shutdown on food assistance programs. She emphasized the need for the government to reopen to ensure the flow of federal funds. Letlow highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that there may not be enough money to cover one month’s supply of SNAP benefits nationwide.

Her visit underscores the importance of political action and community solidarity in addressing the challenges posed by the shutdown.

Conclusion

As the government shutdown continues, the efforts of local organizations, businesses, and community members play a critical role in ensuring that no one goes hungry. Through food donation drives, expanded services, and public awareness campaigns, these initiatives offer hope and support to those in need. The collective response demonstrates the strength and compassion of the community in times of uncertainty.

Government Shutdown Update: Military Pay and Federal Layoffs Explained

Government Shutdown Update: Military Pay and Federal Layoffs Explained

M Hasan    2:18 AM   

Political Stalemate Continues as Government Shutdown Enters Third Week

As the government shutdown enters its third week, both top Republicans and Democrats remain entrenched in their positions, with each party blaming the other for the ongoing crisis. Americans are increasingly worried about the impact on federal jobs, military pay, and essential services.

Democrats continue to push for healthcare concessions before agreeing to reopen the government. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republicans during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," stating that they view healthcare as an "extraneous issue." He emphasized that people should be able to afford medical care for themselves and their families.

House Speaker Mike Johnson responded by accusing Democrats of repeatedly voting to shut down the government. He stated, "It's real pain for real people, and they seem not to care."

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has begun firing federal workers, though he has vowed to continue paying military members. At least 4,000 civil-service workers received layoff notices on October 10, a departure from past shutdowns where furloughs were more common. The administration warned that more layoffs are expected.

Civil servants received reduced paychecks on October 10, and military members are set to miss their first paycheck on October 15 unless Trump intervenes.

Impact on National Institutions and Events

The Smithsonian Institution’s 21 museums, along with the National Zoo, closed on Sunday due to the shutdown. These institutions are among the most popular in the country, drawing millions of visitors annually. The closure has also led to the offline status of several animal cams, including those featuring pandas, lions, elephants, and naked mole-rats.

Smithsonian officials confirmed that all animals at the National Zoo and its Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia will still receive food and care, but they have not planned to update social media beyond changes in operating status.

The Marine Corps Marathon, one of the most popular races in the country, is expected to proceed on October 26 despite concerns about the shutdown affecting the route. Organizers have stated that planning and preparations are continuing as scheduled, while closely monitoring the situation.

Other local races, such as the Army Ten-Miler, have seen some changes, including adjustments to the event expo. Meanwhile, two other DC races, the 2025 National Capital 20 Miler and Janet Braunstein 5 Miler, were canceled on October 3 due to the shutdown.

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid During a Shutdown

The Social Security Administration will continue issuing retirement and disability benefits, although it plans to furlough 12% of its staff and pause marketing campaigns. Payments under Medicare and Medicaid will also continue.

Presidential and congressional salaries remain unaffected by the shutdown. The president’s $400,000 annual salary is protected by the U.S. Constitution, and lawmakers will also continue receiving paychecks. However, some lawmakers, including Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL), have pledged not to take compensation during the shutdown.

Effects on Education and Federal Workers

The Department of Education experienced significant layoffs on October 11, cutting roughly a fifth of its workforce. While public school teachers largely continue to receive pay through local and state funding, some federal employees, such as those working on military bases, may go unpaid during the shutdown.

Additionally, the shutdown has halted a long-standing federal funding program that supports schools with limited local tax revenue, affecting military bases and tribal lands.

Food Aid Programs Continue Despite Funding Challenges

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) will continue operations during the shutdown as funds allow. These programs are critical for millions of low-income Americans.

Public Opinion and Blame Attribution

A recent poll conducted by Economist/YouGov found that 41% of Americans blame Republicans and President Trump for the shutdown, compared to 30% who hold congressional Democrats responsible. Among those who correctly identified the majority party in Congress, 49% blamed Republicans, while 34% blamed Democrats.

Military Pay and Legislative Efforts

The threat of military members missing their first paycheck on October 15 became a major point of contention. However, Trump announced on October 11 that the Pentagon had found the money to pay approximately 1.3 million active-duty military members.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced plans for another vote on a funding bill on October 14. However, he needs additional Democratic support to secure the 60-vote threshold required to end the debate.

Potential Changes to Senate Rules

Senate Republicans are considering abolishing the filibuster for legislation, which would allow them to pass bills without Democratic support. This move, known as the "nuclear option," could significantly alter the legislative process.

House Democrats plan to meet on October 14 to discuss strategies for resolving the shutdown, even though the chamber is out of session. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the importance of addressing healthcare and military pay issues.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

As the shutdown continues, the impact on federal workers, national institutions, and everyday Americans grows more severe. With no clear resolution in sight, the political stalemate shows no signs of ending soon.

Military Pay and Legislative Actions

Trump's commitment to paying military members has eased some pressure, but the broader issue of funding remains unresolved. The Senate is set to vote again on a funding bill, but the outcome is uncertain without bipartisan support.

Vashon Health Systems Prepares for Federal Budget Cuts

Vashon Health Systems Prepares for Federal Budget Cuts

M Hasan    6:42 AM   

The Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Vashon’s Health Care System

Vashon’s health care system, already under significant strain, is now facing additional challenges as federal funding cuts take effect next year. These changes are expected to disrupt a wide range of services, from clinics to long-term care, and have far-reaching effects on the island community.

The Cuts in Detail

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has rolled back several provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid. Enhanced ACA premium subsidies are set to expire in 2026, while some Medicaid eligibility will be restricted in 2027. As of press time, Congress was nearing a potential government shutdown, with Democrats and Republicans at odds over health care funding. Democrats, who need Senate support, are pushing for extensions of ACA subsidies and changes to Medicaid cuts.

The Congressional Budget Office predicts that these cuts could result in 17 million Americans losing medical coverage over the next decade. In Washington state, 14 hospitals are at risk of closure due to shrinking Medicaid reimbursements. Safety net programs, including those for substance abuse and mental health, could face severe cuts, reducing help for families dealing with serious mental illness.

State-Level Responses

Washington’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, has some capacity to shield residents from national health care shocks. However, the federal government will cut their spending on $11 million annually from Washington’s family planning healthcare. Apple Health has stated its commitment to funding critical services with state resources, but it cannot fully insulate residents from coverage losses. Over 620,000 Washingtonians will face loss or delay of Medicaid coverage due to changing federal eligibility requirements.

Local Expert Perspectives

On Vashon, members of the Medical Reserve Corps are raising concerns and organizing a community response. Wendy Noble, a member of the Medical Reserve Corps and a Vashon Health Care District commissioner, warned that the cuts could be catastrophic. She emphasized that Medicaid supports not only low-income populations but also long-term care facilities, children, and disabled residents. Rural hospital systems, already fragile, depend on Medicaid to stay afloat and recruit physicians.

John Osborn, another member of the Vashon Medical Reserve Corps, echoed this urgency. He and Noble are helping to organize a medical conference on November 22, aimed at creating a roadmap for navigating the cuts. Osborn highlighted the importance of building relationships and strengthening teams to protect vulnerable individuals.

Specific Organizations Affected

Vashon Youth & Family Services

For Vashon Youth & Family Services, Medicaid makes up about 45% of its budget. Executive Director Jeni Johnson noted that expansion plans for disability-focused youth groups have been paused, with resources redirected to at-risk youth counseling. The uncertainty surrounding federal funding makes planning difficult, and the full impact remains unclear.

Sea Mar Community Health Clinic

Sea Mar Community Health Care Centers, one of the state’s largest providers, gets 65% of its revenue from Medicaid. While only 15% of Sea Mar patients on Vashon use Medicaid, administrators expect an increase in uninsured patients. The clinic will continue to offer its sliding fee scale but anticipates a rise in uncompensated care.

Vashon DOVE Project

DOVE, which supports survivors of domestic violence and provides mental health care, faces a challenging environment. New grant rules proposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce could require grantees to frame domestic violence strictly as a criminal issue, which contradicts DOVE’s approach. Executive Director Heidi Jackson criticized this shift, emphasizing the power control dynamic at the heart of abuse.

Vashon Natural Medicine

Vashon Natural Medicine (VNM), an independent primary care clinic, relies solely on federal funding through Medicare Advantage plans. Owner Kelly Wright expressed concern over inadequate reimbursements but remains confident in the clinic’s resilience. The clinic is developing a sliding fee scale for the newly uninsured and urging patients to schedule preventive care before year-end.

Neighborcare Health

Neighborcare Health runs the clinic at Vashon High School. While it has not yet seen federal cuts, administrators anticipate tighter budgets as state and local partners absorb federal losses. New Medicaid rules, such as work requirements and re-certification every six months, could disrupt care for patients.

Broader Implications

Thunderbird Treatment Center and Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) are also affected. Construction of the Thunderbird Treatment Center is ahead of schedule, supported by diverse funding streams. However, the Urban Indian Health Institute, part of SIHB, faces greater risks from federal health funding cuts. Esther Lucero, President of the Health Board, warned that public health work like harm reduction and prevention is at stake.

These changes highlight the broader implications of federal funding cuts on public health systems, with consequences that ripple through communities. As the situation unfolds, cooperation, creativity, and advocacy will be essential to protect vulnerable populations.

Kelley Wolf to Enter Treatment Center Amid Divorce and 3 Charges

Kelley Wolf to Enter Treatment Center Amid Divorce and 3 Charges

M Hasan    5:47 AM   

Kelley Wolf's Court Appearance and Treatment Plans

Kelley Wolf, a star from Real World: New Orleans, recently appeared in court to address charges related to electronic harassment and doxxing her estranged husband, Scott Wolf. During the hearing on Tuesday, September 2, she revealed her intention to enter a rehabilitation treatment center, which is set to begin on September 12. This decision came after she was arrested on August 26 for alleged violations of a temporary stipulated agreement.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Kelley faces three misdemeanor charges: one for electronic communications harassment and two for the electronic disclosure of personal identifying information. These charges are linked to events that occurred on August 25 and 26. The court records indicate that these charges are considered domestic violence-related.

During the arraignment, Kelley stated, “I have informed everyone that needs to know, I will be attending a [treatment center] starting on September 12.” She expressed excitement about the move, mentioning that her brother would accompany her and that she had previously recommended the facility as a mental health professional.

The judge denied the prosecutor’s request for proof of compliance with the pre-trial release conditions, which included drug testing and participation in treatment. However, the judge did not rule on whether Kelley should be barred from posting on social media during her release period.

Background of the Arrest

Kelley was arrested and taken to Summit County Jail on August 26 after a series of confrontational posts on her Instagram. These posts allegedly doxxed her friends and family, including sharing Scott’s personal phone number. Some messages also involved communication with their three minor children—Jackson, Miller, and Lucy.

These actions violated a temporary stipulated agreement that was granted on August 26. The agreement included a social media and press gag order, prohibiting both parties from discussing each other, their marriage, their children, or their divorce. It also barred them from making disparaging remarks about each other to the children.

Prior to her arrest, Kelley posted on her Instagram Stories, expressing confusion and fear. She wrote, “The police are at my house to arrest me. I have no idea why. I am not suicidal. I am no danger to anyone. I have done nothing. I am so scared. So confused.”

Conditions of Release and Restraining Orders

After being charged with two class B misdemeanors for electronic disclosure of personal identifying information and one class B misdemeanor for electronic communications harassment, Kelley was released from jail on August 28. A condition of her release required her to avoid alcohol and narcotics unless prescribed by a medical practitioner. She was also mandated to participate in medical, behavioral, psychological, or psychiatric treatment.

Additionally, she was prohibited from communicating, threatening, or harassing Scott or entering his home with their children. That same day, Scott filed a new temporary restraining order against Kelley. Judge Richard Mrazik ordered her to avoid any direct or indirect contact with Scott or their children, except during mediation sessions with a court-qualified mediator.

Custody Arrangements and Previous Events

Scott and Kelley announced their separation in June after 21 years of marriage. Scott filed for divorce on June 10, and days later, a female friend called 911 regarding Kelley’s “escalating mental health crisis.” She was taken to a local hospital by sheriffs in Utah County, Utah.

Despite this, Kelley claimed she was "taken against my will" and survived an involuntary 5150. Authorities later confirmed that she had made concerning comments to a family member and deputies.

In July, the couple entered into a temporary agreement outlining custody arrangements, financial matters, and communication guidelines. The agreement was updated on August 26, before Kelley's arrest. It maintained Scott's temporary sole physical custody of their children and allowed Kelley supervised parenting time.

Public Statements and Legal Updates

On August 15, Scott broke his silence, claiming that Kelley was making "disturbing" and "entirely false" allegations against him. He alleged that she was using "psychological abuse, child abuse, child endangerment, stealing with passports" to gain custody of their children.

In response, Kelley claimed her actions were aimed at creating urgency to regain joint custody. She emphasized her belief that Scott would not abuse their children and described the loss of her career, reputation, and family.

Three days after Scott spoke out, Kelley’s attorney withdrew, according to a court document. The estranged couple is scheduled to appear in court again on September 10.