Page 31 – NewsFinale

Osimhen Suffers Arm Injury as Liverpool Dominates Galatasaray to Secure UCL Quarter-Final Spot

Entertainment

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March 19, 2026

Osimhen Suffers Arm Injury as Liverpool Dominates Galatasaray to Secure UCL Quarter-Final Spot

Victor Osimhen’s unfortunate arm injury compounded Galatasaray’s woes as they exited the UEFA Champions League following a resounding 4-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

This decisive victory allowed Liverpool to progress with a 4-1 aggregate score, effectively overturning Galatasaray’s initial advantage from the first leg and cutting short their European journey.

Early control comes in handy

From the outset, Liverpool asserted their dominance, breaking through in the 25th minute with a goal from Dominik Szoboszlai, who capitalized on a well-orchestrated set-piece play.

Despite being under constant pressure, Galatasaray managed to cling to hope, thanks in large part to their goalkeeper, Uğurcan Çakır. His impressive performance included a crucial save against Mohamed Salah’s penalty attempt just before halftime.

Osimhen injury disrupts Galatasaray

The situation worsened for the Turkish side when Osimhen, visibly hampered by his arm injury, had to be substituted at halftime, severely weakening their offensive prospects.

His withdrawal marked a turning point, with Liverpool capitalising immediately after the restart.

Liverpool second-half blitz seals tie

Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool’s lead early in the second half before Ryan Gravenberch added a third moments later to effectively end the contest.

Salah also found the net to register a milestone goal in the competition, to mark Liverpool’s complete control.

Focus shifts to next phase

Liverpool now progress to the quarter-finals, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes clash.

For Galatasaray, attention shifts back to domestic tournaments, with the club aiming to convert their strong season into silverware despite the European setback.

Man Allegedly Assaults Wife Over Intimacy Dispute, Threatens Children with Disturbing Remarks: Police Report

Crime

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March 19, 2026

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Man Allegedly Assaults Wife Over Intimacy Dispute, Threatens Children with Disturbing Remarks: Police Report

Alfred Sanchez (Dona Ana County).

A man in New Mexico has been accused of violently attacking his wife after she declined to engage in intimacy with him. The alleged assault included punching, choking, and forcibly striking her head against the ground. Following this, he reportedly issued a disturbing warning to their children about the consequences if she ever left him and remarried.

According to an affidavit cited by Law&Crime, Alfred Sanchez allegedly told the children, “If they were to get a new dad … the new dad was going to rape them.”

The 37-year-old Sanchez is charged with assaulting his wife in their Las Cruces residence while their children were present. The wife informed law enforcement that the violent outburst occurred on Sunday night after she declined his sexual advances.

The affidavit details that Sanchez’s wife was feeling unwell and not up to being intimate, which reportedly enraged Sanchez. She told police he subjected her to verbal abuse for three hours.

The document further claims that Sanchez approached her, aggressively removed her eyeglasses, and threw them to the floor. He allegedly placed a hand around her neck, squeezing tightly while pushing her into a couch. The wife reportedly instructed their five children to retreat to their room.

Sanchez allegedly pushed the woman and pinned her down with his body, punched her repeatedly, and slammed her head into the ground twice. “[The wife] stated that she began to have a panic attack and Mr. Sanchez became afraid, picked her up and said he was ‘sorry’ and ‘I have to go,’ then left,” according to the affidavit.

Sanchez, however, allegedly returned to the home later that night and kicked the front door open to confront his wife again. Cops say she managed to escape and ran to a neighbor’s home.

During the initial assault, the woman was on the phone with her sister-in-law, who told cops that she heard Sanchez saying a number of disturbing things, according to the court documents.

He allegedly told her that if they were to get a divorce, she would have to exchange sex for child support; blamed the woman for the fact that he has been arrested in the past and lost his job; asked her if she wants him to “kill her and the kids;” and repeatedly told the children about what would happen if they got a new dad.

Police say they spoke to some of the children about what happened, along with the sister-in-law. The couple’s 9-year-old daughter stated that “she heard mom and dad yelling at each other, and saw her dad push her mom,” according to the affidavit.

“[The child] began to cry and could not give any further statements,” the document says.

The couple’s 6-year-old allegedly told investigators “that his dad had broken the door and started to fight with his mom.” The child made motions resembling “punching and elbowing when stating his dad hit his mom,” the affidavit alleges.

“[The boy] advised his dad threw his mom on the ground,” it adds.

Sanchez was arrested and charged with aggravated battery against a household member resulting in great bodily harm and four counts of battery against a household member, according to online court records. He was ordered held without bond on Monday after appearing in the Las Cruces Magistrate Court.

Sanchez currently has an open case with the New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department and has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor in the past. Details surrounding his children and family case are unclear.

Australia’s Job Market Signals Economic Challenges Ahead: Are We on the Brink of Recession?

AU

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March 19, 2026

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Australia’s Job Market Signals Economic Challenges Ahead: Are We on the Brink of Recession?

The latest employment figures have now stoked fresh fears that Australia’s economy could be shocked into a recession for the second time in six years.

Is Australia headed for a recession? (Graphic: Tara Blancato)

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has suggested that a domestic recession might be an unavoidable step to curb the persistent rise in inflation. This sentiment was expressed by RBA Governor Michele Bullock, who candidly acknowledged the potential necessity of such a measure. “We don’t want to have a recession, but if it’s hard to get inflation down, then we’re going to have to deal with that, possibly,” Bullock stated, highlighting the difficult choices facing economic policymakers.

However, this perspective is not universally shared within the government. Treasurer Jim Chalmers, speaking on ABC’s 730 program, dismissed the notion of an impending recession. “No, that’s not something that we’re anticipating or forecasting or expecting,” he firmly asserted, presenting a more optimistic outlook for Australia’s economic trajectory.

Inflation continues to loom as the most significant threat to the Australian economy, exacerbated by a weakening job market. The contrast in viewpoints between the RBA and the Treasurer underscores the complexity and uncertainty of the economic challenges ahead. As the country grapples with these issues, the debate over the best course of action remains as heated as ever.

“No, that’s not something that we’re anticipating or forecasting or expecting,” Chalmers told ABC’s 730 program.

Inflation remains the biggest threat to the Australian economy and this has been compounded by a deflating job market.

Fresh job figures revealed the unemployment rate rose to 4.3 per cent in February after 35,000 people left the workforce.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data also found the number of hours worked fell 0.2 per cent, with more workers on part-time hours rather than full-time.

Meanwhile, job advertisements took a tumble in the same period.

Ads decreased by 0.5 per cent month-on-month in February and are down 2.6 per cent year-on-year, according to the latest employment report from Seek.

Applications also dropped by 0.6 per cent as workers stay put in an uncertain job market.

Pedestrians in the Sydney CBD. — Australians are battling cash rate hikes, soaring oil prices and a rise in unemployment. (Louie Douvis/AFR)

Seek’s Senior Economist Dr Blair Chapman told Nine.com.au that the job market is generally a safe indicator of where the economy is headed.

“A sharp decline in jobs ads can be a bit of a red flag that demand is going to slow across the economy,” he said.

“Job ads are a forward-looking indicator of employer intent – when businesses pull back on hiring, it signals reduced confidence in future demand and activity.

“The current decline we’re seeing is steady but gradual, not a sharp decline that should trigger worry.”

Chapman tempered fears that a recession is fast approaching despite the declining job figures.

“Combined, these signals point to weaker demand and a labour market under increasing pressure, though the current data suggests a gradual slowdown rather than a sharp contraction,” he added.

RBA governor Michele Bullock has flagged that a recession could be a necessary evil. (Louise Kennerley)

Australia broke a 30-year dry spell after it entered a technical recession during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Before that, Australia suffered a recession from 1990 to 1991 when GDP fell by 1.7 per cent and the unemployment rate rose to 10.8 per cent.

What is a recession?

A recession is a prolonged period of weak or negative growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is the monetary value of all goods and services, is accompanied by a rise in unemployment, according to the RBA.

Essentially, if GDP goes down and unemployment goes up it can equal a recession.

A “technical recession” – which may not be accompanied by a jump in unemployment – is traditionally defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth in GDP.

Several other economic indicators are also weak during a recession, including household spending, business investment and the number of businesses that close down.

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Colorado School Employee Allegedly Abuses 13-Year-Old Student, Currently Eluding Authorities

US

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March 19, 2026

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Colorado School Employee Allegedly Abuses 13-Year-Old Student, Currently Eluding Authorities

Authorities revealed on Tuesday that a staff member from a Colorado school is suspected of repeatedly sexually abusing a 13-year-old student over several months.

The individual in question has been identified as Brenda Meza, aged 34, who worked at Greeley-Evans School District 6, situated roughly an hour from Denver. According to police, she is currently evading capture and faces multiple serious charges.

Meza served as a secretary, coached the cross-country team, and advised the games club at Franklin Middle School. Allegations against her include grooming an eighth-grade student by providing alcohol and drugs, engaging in inappropriate text communications, and organizing numerous meetings at places such as a park and a Walmart parking lot, as reported by the New York Post, referencing the arrest affidavit and local law enforcement.

“The investigation revealed that Meza engaged in ongoing sexual abuse of the minor over several months,” stated the Greeley Police Department. “As a consequence of these findings, Brenda Meza is currently sought on numerous felony charges.”

Authorities are attempting to locate Brenda Meza, 34, accused of maintaining an illicit relationship with a student. (Greeley Police Department)

Authorities said she allegedly became jealous when the boy interacted with female classmates, the Post reported.

In November, the two reportedly began exchanging a series of sexual text messages, which included at least four explicit photos sent by the boy.

The relationship allegedly escalated in January, when Meza and the 13-year-old are accused of engaging in sexual intercourse for the first time in the back seat of her car in a Walmart parking lot, according to the Post. She also allegedly bought marijuana edibles and alcohol for them to consume during the encounter.

Brenda Meza was an employee at Franklin Middle School in Colorado. (Google Maps)

Over the following weeks, the pair allegedly repeated similar encounters at least two more times at a local park. She would also allegedly drop the boy home around 9 p.m., the Post reported.

The investigation further revealed that Meza had taken numerous photos of the pair appearing to drink, holding marijuana blunts, and spending time together during after-school activities, the outlet said.

Police reportedly launched an investigation on Feb. 12 after receiving an anonymous tip alleging Meza’s abuse of the teen.

After school officials confronted her, Meza admitted to her husband that she “got high” and had inappropriate interactions with the teen, the affidavit reportedly stated.

The secretary, who began working at the middle school in 2020, was placed on administrative leave and later terminated by Feb. 25, according to a school memo sent by principal Suzette Luster, the Post said.

The district added that it is assisting police in the investigation and stressed that “student safety and security is always our first priority.”

Police received an anonymous tip in early February alleging sexual activity between a school staffer and a teenage student. (iStock)

The police department is reportedly seeking to charge her with 12 felony counts — including sexual assault of a child, online enticement of a minor, and tampering with evidence — along with one charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Police are still trying to locate Meza, who authorities say left the area during the investigation and remains at large.

Bonny Chu is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital.

Controversy Arises Over Delayed House Arrest for Man with Limb Disability

Crime

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March 19, 2026

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Controversy Arises Over Delayed House Arrest for Man with Limb Disability

A suspect recently encountered an unusual obstacle in complying with house arrest requirements: the necessity of wearing an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet—something he cannot do because he lacks ankles. Authorities, however, claim that this did not contribute to any delays in his legal proceedings.

Steven Min, who faces several charges related to trespassing, experienced a delay in transitioning to house arrest. His lawyer explained to the media that this delay stemmed from “a physical inability to wear a mandatory electronic ankle monitor,” according to a report by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Min’s situation is complicated by the fact that he uses prosthetic legs, a consequence of losing his legs and left hand to a sepsis infection, reportedly contracted during a previous stint in city jail. To accommodate his condition, Min was ultimately provided with an electronic monitoring device intended for his wrist.

Min’s attorney, Joseph Reiff, voiced his concerns in a recent Clark County, Nevada court session, expressing discontent with the decision to use a wrist bracelet, which he described as “appalling.”

“He’s only got one limb, judge,” Reiff stated, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “They’re going to make sure that he doesn’t have any. This is made for a person’s ankle, and everybody knows a person’s legs are two or three times stronger.”

Reiff reportedly argued that his client also suffers from end-stage renal and kidney diseases, which could complicate his incarceration, and pointed out that Min requires more dialysis care than the jail can provide. Metropolitan Police Attorney Michael Dickerson stated, per the outlet, that Min was not denied dialysis care and disputed that “anything was delayed” for Min.

Reiff did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Oxygen.

In court, according to the Journal-Review, Reiff shared a March 3 email, reportedly from the Metropolitan Police Department, which addressed Min’s case.

“Our program uses an ankle monitor for its GPS tracking,” the email read, according to the Review-Journal. “This is the only authorized and available equipment for Electronic Monitoring and GPS tracking. Unfortunately, Mr. Min does not have the capability for our Officers to apply our device.”

Dickerson denied that Min’s disability is relevant to house arrest, according to the Review-Journal, instead pointing to Min having at least one active warrant.

“There’s nothing inhumane about monitoring Mr. Min by putting the bracelet on his arm,” Dickerson said, per the outlet. “People wear bracelets and watches every day. This is no different.”

According to Reiff, on March 11, Min was released from jail, per the Review-Journal, but quickly taken into custody again.

As a Metropolitan Police spokesperson reportedly told the outlet, “A compliance check revealed he was in violation of the conditions of his electronic monitoring program.”

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately reply to a request for comment from Oxygen.

Pentagon Requests $200 Billion from White House Amid Trump’s Consideration of Troop Deployment for Next Phase in Iran Conflict

News

NewsFinale Journal

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March 19, 2026

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Pentagon Requests $200 Billion from White House Amid Trump’s Consideration of Troop Deployment for Next Phase in Iran Conflict

The Pentagon has put forth a request for $200 billion to support military operations in Iran, as President Trump weighs the possibility of sending additional troops to the region.

This move hints at a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the U.S. aiming to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz amidst continued bombings.

The request for funds follows a report revealing that the U.S. has already expended approximately $3.7 billion, averaging $891.4 million daily, during the initial 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury, with costs soaring to $11 billion within the first week.

Insiders informed The Washington Post that the Pentagon has approached the White House to seek this financial backing from Congress.

However, it remains uncertain whether the White House will proceed with the request, as some members of the Trump administration anticipate congressional opposition to the proposal.

Democrats remain largely against the war efforts and Kentucky libertarian Rand Paul typically votes against military funding, meaning the 60 votes to avoid a filibuster may not be there.

A spokesperson for the Pentagon declined to comment when reached by The Daily Mail.

The Trump administration is considering sending thousands of troops to reinforce its operation in the Middle East, a US official and three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The deployments could help provide Trump with additional options as he weighs expanding US operations, with the Iran war well into its third week.

A supplemental funding request of up to $200billion and the potential of Donald Trump deploying troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz could signal a new phase in the war with Iran

The funding request comes after a study concluded that the US has spent around $3.7 billion, or $891.4 million a day, on wartime efforts in the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury, rising to $11 billion in the first week alone

Those options ‌include securing safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a mission that would be accomplished primarily through air and naval forces, the sources said.

But securing the Strait could also mean deploying US troops to Iran’s shoreline, said four sources, including two US officials.

Reuters granted the sources anonymity to speak about military planning.

The Trump administration has also discussed options to send ground forces to Iran’s Kharg Island, the hub for 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports, three people familiar with the matter and three US officials said.

One of the officials said such an operation would be very risky. Iran has the ability to reach the island with missiles and drones.

The United States carried out strikes against military targets on the island on March 13 and Trump has threatened to also strike its critical oil infrastructure.

However, given its vital role in Iran’s economy, controlling the ⁠island would likely be viewed as a better option than destroying it, military experts say.

Any use of US ground troops – even for a limited mission – could pose significant political risks for Trump, given low support among the American public for the Iran campaign and Trump’s own campaign promises to avoid entangling the US in new Middle East conflicts.

The Trump administration is considering sending thousands of troops to reinforce its operation in the Middle East at the Strait of Hormuz

Trump administration officials have also discussed the possibility of deploying US forces to secure Iran’s stocks of highly enriched uranium, one of the people familiar with the matter said.

The sources did not believe a deployment of ground forces anywhere in Iran was imminent but declined to discuss specifics of US operational planning.

Experts say the task of securing Iran’s uranium stockpiles would be highly complex and risky, even for US special operations forces.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: ‘There has been no decision to send ground troops at this time, but President Trump wisely keeps all options at his disposal.

‘The president is focused on achieving all of the defined objectives of Operation Epic Fury: destroy Iran’s ballistic missile capacity, annihilate their navy, ensure their terrorist proxies cannot destabilize the region, and guarantee that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.’

The discussions come as the US military continues to attack Iran’s navy, its missile and drone stockpiles and its defense industry.

The US has carried out more than 7,800 strikes since launching the war on ‌February 28 ⁠and damaged or destroyed more than 120 Iranian vessels so far, according to a factsheet released on Wednesday by the US Central Command, which oversees the roughly 50,000 U.S. troops in the Middle East.

Trump has said his goals go beyond degrading Iran’s military capabilities and could include securing safe passage through the Strait and preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Explosions erupt following strikes at Tehran Oil Refinery in Tehran

Ground forces could help broaden his options to address those goals, but carry significant risk.

Even without any direct conflict in Iran, 13 US troops have been killed so far in the war and about 200 have been wounded, although the vast majority of the injuries have been minor, the US military says.

For years, Trump has railed against his predecessors for getting involved in conflicts and has vowed to keep ⁠the United States out of foreign wars.

But more recently he has refused to rule out the possibility of ‘boots on the ground’ in Iran.

A senior White House official told Reuters that Trump has various options for acquiring Iran’s nuclear material but has not decided how to proceed.

‘Certainly there are ways in which it could be acquired,’ the official said, adding: ‘He hasn’t made a decision yet.’

In written testimony to lawmakers on Wednesday, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Iran’s nuclear enrichment program had been obliterated by strikes ⁠in June and the entrances to those underground facilities had been ‘buried and shuttered with cement.’

The sources said the discussions on US reinforcements go beyond the arrival of an Amphibious Ready Group next week in the Middle East, with an attached Marine Expeditionary Unit that includes more than 2,000 Marines.

But one of the sources noted that the US military was losing a significant number of forces with the decision to send the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier to Greece for ⁠maintenance after a fire on board the vessel.

Trump has also oscillated on whether the U.S. should secure the Strait of Hormuz.

After initially saying the U.S. Navy could escort vessels, he called on other countries to help open the key water way. With little interest from allies, Trump on Wednesday mused about simply leaving.

‘I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Strait?,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Delay in Repayments Raises Concerns Over the Future of Renowned Australian Business

AU

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March 19, 2026

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Delay in Repayments Raises Concerns Over the Future of Renowned Australian Business

Concerns have emerged regarding the future of one of Australia’s historic department stores following a surprising report indicating it has been taking twice as long as usual to settle payments with its suppliers.

David Jones, established back in 1838, had previously announced plans to close two outlets located in Castle Hill and Tuggerah on New South Wales’ Central Coast by 2026.

Currently, the department store operates over 40 locations nationwide, employing around 9,000 people across Australia and New Zealand.

However, a recent analysis conducted by commercial credit agency CreditorWatch disclosed that David Jones is averaging 16 days to pay its suppliers.

This payment duration significantly exceeds the industry norm, which typically stands at seven days.

Businesses typically delay paying some invoices to balance cashflow, and this does not necessarily indicate a company is experiencing cashflow problems.

The agency ranked David Jones as having a ‘low’ risk of default within the next year.

This means ‘unfavourable economic conditions may lead to a weakened capability to meet financial commitments’, the report notes.

David Jones’ average overdue payments to suppliers were 16 days – more than double the industry average, according to a new report by a commercial credit agency

The department store announced Castle Hill and Tuggerah stores on the NSW Central Coast would close in 2026 after 34 years (pictured)

The retailer’s most recent financial report to ASIC in March 2025, seen by the Herald Sun, reported a net loss of $74.4million from $2.2billion in gross sales during the financial year up to June 30, 2024.

David Jones recorded a ‘bullet loan’ of $26.3million, which was due to ‘mature’ in September 2024 – meaning it must then be paid in full.

Another important loan was for $150million to fund working capital, which matures on March 27 this year.

It also reportedly extended payment times to its suppliers, raising questions over whether the $150million loan can be resolved by next week.

The Daily Mail has contacted David Jones’ business operations owner, Anchorage Capital Partners, for comment.

Many of David Jones’ major partners have already agreed to the streamlined payments approach, with further discussions underway.

A spokesperson for David Jones said the decision to push out payments to suppliers was part of broader approach across the company.

‘We are streamlining our operational and financial processes to build a stronger, more efficient, and more sustainable business model,’ they said.

A spokesperson for David Jones has said the company’s decision to push out payments to suppliers was part of ‘streamlining’ the ‘operational and financial processes’

‘This includes implementing a new supplier payment process within our Oracle finance system, enhancing our Purchase Order procedures and updating our standard payment terms to reflect these improvements and enable continued investment in growth and innovation.’

Private equity investors Anchorage Capital Partners bought David Jones’ operating business in 2022 for about $100million.

A statement from the company claimed customers have been benefiting from a $250million transformation program aimed at improving long-term growth.

‘This includes major store refurbishments, the launch of a mobile app, the evolution of its e-commerce platform, and the launch of a new loyalty program,’ they told the Herald Sun.

‘Trading conditions for David Jones in the first half of the 2026 financial year have been strong and show growth on the previous comparable period.

‘We intend to continue investing in the business, supported by our financial partners, and look forward to enabling continued growth and innovation for David Jones.’

Months of high inflation have squeezed Australian retailers, forcing many to cut staff, scale back operations or shut their doors entirely.

Peak policy and advocacy body Business NSW released its Business Conditions Survey (BCS) in December, which found companies in the state faced a tough lead-up to Christmas due to rising rates.

The study, conducted from November 2 to 17, revealed customers are spending less, pushing for discounts and delaying invoice payments when compared with last year.

Almost half (42 per cent) of businesses surveyed reported fewer purchases, while 37 per cent said average order sizes have shrunk.

Only 18 per cent had seen more frequent purchases.

Mastering These Three Bed Positions at 60+ Indicates Superior Core Strength Compared to Most Peers

Health

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March 19, 2026

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Mastering These Three Bed Positions at 60+ Indicates Superior Core Strength Compared to Most Peers

Discover how you can effectively work out your core muscles without even getting out of bed. We consulted with Dr. Tom Walters, a Board-Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, who is also the bestselling author of “Rehab Science: How to Overcome Pain and Heal from Injury.” He shared three key exercises that are excellent indicators of robust core strength, particularly for those over 60.

Dr. Walters explains that core strength often diminishes with age due to factors like sarcopenia, decreased physical activity, and alterations in neuromuscular coordination. “Starting in midlife and becoming more pronounced after 60, there’s a gradual decline in both skeletal muscle mass and strength,” he notes. “Additionally, as people age, they tend to be less active, which reduces the mechanical stress needed to maintain the strength of trunk muscles.”

Functionally, your core acts as a key “stability system” for your pelvis and spine during movement. A decrease in the endurance or strength of your trunk muscles can lead to several issues, affecting your posture, mobility, and balance.

“Core strength tends to decline with age primarily because of sarcopenia, reduced physical activity, and changes in neuromuscular coordination,” explains Dr. Walters. “Beginning in midlife and accelerating after about age 60, skeletal muscle mass and strength gradually decrease. At the same time, people often move less, which further reduces the mechanical loading required to maintain trunk muscle capacity.”

In functional terms, the core serves as a “stability system” for both the pelvis and spine as you move. When the muscles encompassing your trunk lose endurance or strength, several things can happen, impacting your posture, mobility, and balance.

“The trunk plays a major role in controlling the body’s center of mass. Reduced trunk strength or endurance can make it harder to correct small balance disturbances,” Dr. Walters says. “In addition, weakness or poor endurance of trunk muscles can contribute to greater spinal flexion or a forward-leaning posture, particularly during prolonged standing or walking.”

It’s important to note that these changes aren’t inevitable. Dr. Walters says research indicates that the trunk muscles stay very responsive to strength exercises—even among the older adult population.

What Makes Bed-Based Exercises Effective

Young Woman Doing Fitness Exercise In Bed — Shutterstock

Doing exercises from bed can be surprisingly productive because they reduce hurdles that may be holding you back from exercise.

“Many older adults avoid floor exercises due to joint pain, mobility limitations, or difficulty getting down to and up from the floor,” Dr. Walters explains. “From a biomechanical standpoint, bed-based exercises still challenge the core because they require the trunk to stabilize the spine and pelvis against gravity. Even subtle movements, such as lifting the legs or maintaining a stable trunk while the limbs move, can create meaningful activation of abdominal and spinal muscles.”

Supine Dead Bug Hold

In the supine dead bug hold, you will lie flat on your back with your hips and knees bent to roughly 90 degrees while keeping your lower back pressed into the mattress.

“This exercise engages the deep abdominal muscles—particularly the transverse abdominis, trains the core to stabilize while the limbs move, [and] mimics the coordination needed for walking and daily movement,” Dr. Walters says.

Glute Bridge Isometric

In the glute bridge isometric, you’ll lie flat on your back with bent knees and lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.

“This exercise activates the posterior chain, including the glutes and spinal extensors, challenges the trunk to stabilize the pelvis, [and] supports posture and walking mechanics,” Dr. Walters tells us.

Side-Lying Plank

In the side-lying plank, you’ll lie on your side with bent knees and support your body on your forearm while lifting the hips slightly off the mattress.

“This exercise targets the obliques and lateral trunk stabilizers, improves side-to-side trunk stability, which is important for balance, [and] addresses a plane of movement often neglected in traditional exercises,” Dr. Walters notes.

Pentagon Seeks $200 Billion for Iran Conflict: White House Deliberates Major Defense Funding Request

US

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March 19, 2026

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Pentagon Seeks $200 Billion for Iran Conflict: White House Deliberates Major Defense Funding Request

The Pentagon has put forward a request for $200 billion to support military operations in Iran as President Trump weighs the option of deploying additional troops to the region.

This move suggests a possible escalation in the conflict, as the United States aims to secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid continued bombings.

This funding appeal follows a study revealing that the U.S. has already invested approximately $3.7 billion, averaging $891.4 million daily, over the initial 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury, with costs escalating to $11 billion within the first week.

Sources have informed The Washington Post that the Pentagon has asked the White House to petition Congress for these funds.

It remains uncertain whether the White House will proceed with the request, as some officials within the Trump administration anticipate opposition from Congress.