Home Blog Page 2

Police Intercept Bike Mob to Prevent Bay Bridge Disruption and City Chaos

0

A major disruption on the Bay Bridge was averted when California law enforcement successfully intervened to stop a large group of cyclists planning to overrun one of the state’s busiest thoroughfares.

The California Highway Patrol’s San Francisco Area office, in collaboration with the San Francisco Police Department, was able to identify the group as they rode recklessly through city streets. The officers acted swiftly to thwart the cyclists’ plans before they reached the bridge on March 28.

Authorities kept a close watch on the cyclists’ movements in real time as they headed toward the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. The group eventually entered the bridge through the Harrison Street off-ramp, where they dangerously rode against the flow of traffic.

Fortunately, officers were strategically positioned at that location, ready to intercept the riders.

Aerial view of bike mob swarming ramp during Bay Bridge takeover attempt

Aerial footage from the incident captures the moment when dozens of cyclists attempted to take over traffic lanes on the major bridge, highlighting the quick response of law enforcement to prevent chaos. (San Francisco Police Department)

CHP and SFPD officers blocked the group, stopping the takeover before it reached the freeway.

Video released by CHP shows a police helicopter overhead as officers moved in and blocked access to the bridge.

Officials said the response was deliberate and based on prior incidents, where similar groups have progressed from city streets onto the bridge.

Cyclists ride up curved ramp toward Bay Bridge during takeover attempt

Authorities tracked the group as it moved through city streets toward the Bay Bridge before being stopped. (San Francisco Police Department )

“The group was observed riding through the city. Similar incidents in the past have progressed to the group entering the bridge,” a CHP spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “We worked with SFPD to stage units nearby and continue to monitor.”

“Through ongoing communications and a lot of moving parts, the theory was proven correct and the group was intercepted before gaining access,” the spokesperson said.

In total, 85 individuals were detained and cited for illegally riding bicycles on a freeway, officials said. All were released at the scene, and 85 bicycles were seized.

Officials said the bicycles will be checked through a stolen property database, and any identified as stolen could lead to additional charges. The spokesperson added that, in similar incidents, “there aren’t typically stolen bikes, as participants take a lot of personal pride in their rides,” describing the groups as similar to sideshow activity.

Authorities said the group’s behavior leading up to the incident was dangerous and escalating, with riders swerving through traffic, approaching moving vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases intentionally riding at oncoming cars.

“Throughout the incident, riders were seen riding directly at moving vehicles, swerving in and out of traffic, and coming dangerously close to pedestrians,” CHP said, warning that such behavior “cannot be tolerated.”

Officials added that the risks would have been even greater on the freeway, where higher speeds increase the likelihood of serious injury.

Bicyclists weave in and out of traffic in San Francisco

Bicyclists attempt to take over traffic in San Francisco. (San Francisco Police Department )

A CHP spokesperson said similar incidents have occurred in the past and appear to be increasing on city streets, describing groups that engage in risky behavior and openly challenge motorists.

Many of those involved were juveniles, officials said, with the youngest participant in this incident just 9 years old.

“What we saw yesterday was not harmless fun,” said CHP San Francisco Area Captain Tim McCollister. “This is no place for games or risky behavior.”

McCollister warned that riding against traffic on a freeway creates extreme danger for both cyclists and drivers, adding that the department’s priority is preventing tragedy before it happens.

“We will continue to enforce the law and hold individuals accountable,” he said.

CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Steve Ramos praised the joint response, saying officers “stopped this group before they could wreak havoc on our freeways.”

“Teamwork at its best,” the San Francisco Police Department said.

Authorities said the situation could have escalated, but officers stopped the group before it reached the bridge and endangered drivers.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

Isolated, Justice Jackson Labels First Amendment Ruling by Colleagues as ‘Irrational,’ Warns of Potential Disruption to Medical System

0

Main: Kaley Chiles, a Christian talk therapist in Colorado, appears in a video about her case (Alliance Defending Freedom/YouTube). Left inset: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the nation”s highest court, speaks at the 60th Commemoration of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill). Right inset: Neil Gorsuch talks with other attendees before the start of presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House, in Washington, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta).

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson found herself in solitary dissent as the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Christian talk therapist challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy. Jackson described the court’s decision as both “baffling” and “dangerous.”

The majority opinion, authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch and supported by all justices except Jackson—including Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan—determined that Colorado’s Minor Conversion Therapy Law (MCTL) infringed upon the First Amendment. The law was challenged by Kaley Chiles, who claimed it restricted what she could communicate to minors dealing with “unwanted” same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria.

Gorsuch argued that Colorado’s law was misguided, stating, “In many applications, the State’s law banning ‘conversion therapy’ may address conduct—such as aversive physical interventions. But here, Ms. Chiles seeks to engage only in speech, and as applied to her the law regulates what she may say.” He further emphasized that labeling her speech as conduct or treatment did not change its nature, asserting, “The First Amendment is no word game.”

He went on to contrast the First Amendment’s vision with what he perceived as Jackson’s stance, where contemporary consensus dictates professional speech. “Any professional speech that deviates from ‘current beliefs about the safety and efficacy of various medical treatments’ could be silenced with relative ease,” Gorsuch noted, warning against such deference to prevailing views. “Fortunately, that is not the world the First Amendment envisions for us.”

“Today, tomorrow, and forever, too, any professional speech that deviates from ‘current beliefs about the safety and efficacy of various medical treatments’ could be silenced with relative ease. It is a consequence Colorado freely acknowledges. And one the dissent embraces. So what if that kind of reflexive deference to currently prevailing professional views may not always end well?” the justice remarked. “Fortunately, that is not the world the First Amendment envisions for us.”

As Law&Crime recounted during oral arguments in October, Chiles’ attorneys with the Alliance Defending Freedom made the case that Colorado’s law unconstitutionally censored and “silenced” Chiles by “ban[ning] voluntary conversation” between a licensed professional and a client under the threat of disciplinary action like “fines, probation, and loss of license.”

Telling the justices that Chiles’ work is solely speech, ADF emphasized it was her right to engage in “discussion” according to the client’s and their parents’ wishes about realigning identity with biological sex or reducing unwanted same-sex attraction and behavior.

At the time, Sotomayor and Jackson referred to studies that show conversion therapy is harmful and significantly ups the risk of suicide attempts. Jackson, in particular, found it a “little puzzling” that Chiles claimed to be subject to regulation by the state through licensure but exempt from following a science-based conversion therapy ban. In retrospect, the line of questioning was a sign of things to come.

In her lengthy dissent, Jackson said the “scientific literature confirms what anecdotal experiences suggest: Conversion therapy has harmed patients, particularly minors.” As a result, the justice concluded the state of Colorado was well within its right to “prevent its licensed talk therapists from using speech to harm the minors in their care.”

That every other justice has said otherwise raises a question about the “quality” of health care in America moving forward, Jackson continued.

“We are on a slippery slope now: For the first time, the Supreme Court has interpreted the First Amendment to bless a risk of therapeutic harm to children by limiting the State’s ability to regulate medical providers who treat patients with speech. What’s next? In the worst-case scenario, our medical system unravels as various licensed healthcare professionals—talk therapists, psychiatrists, and presumably anyone else who claims to utilize speech when administering treatments to patients—start broadly wielding their new-found constitutional right to provide substandard medical care.”

“It is baffling that we could now be standing on the edge of a precipitous drop in the quality of healthcare services in America. But the Court sees fit to bring us one step closer to that fate today,” she added.

It wasn’t baffling to Kagan and Sotomayor, however, who agreed that Colorado’s law “conflicts with core First Amendment principles because it regulates speech based on viewpoint.” The two said that if the state had “enacted a content-based but viewpoint-neutral law, it would raise a different and more difficult question.”

ADF lead attorney Jim Campbell said in a statement that the Supreme Court delivered a “significant win for free speech, common sense, and families desperate to help their children.”

In a statement of her own, Chiles hailed the “victory for counselors and, more importantly, kids and families everywhere.”

Get Ready: Tomorrow’s Pink Moon Might Surprise You in Unexpected Ways

0

Australians are being encouraged to cast their eyes skyward this week as April’s full moon, charmingly dubbed the Pink Moon, is set to make a dazzling appearance.

This celestial event will hit its peak at precisely 1:11 PM (AEDT) on April 2. While this means the moon’s fullest phase will occur during daylight hours, it could still be visible depending on the clarity of the sky and presence of clouds.

However, there’s a little twist to this lunar spectacle. Despite its vibrant name, the Pink Moon won’t actually display any pink hues.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 07:  The super pink moon, the biggest supermoon of the year, rises over (L-R) Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the under construction Allegiant Stadium and McCarran International Airport on April 7, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The pink moon got its name because the April full moon occurs at the same time as the pink wildflower Phlox subulata blooms in North America. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with its
The moon won’t actually appear pink tomorrow, but we will still be in for a treat. (Getty)

Instead, observers can expect the moon to retain its usual silvery glow. Occasionally, dust or pollution in the atmosphere may lend it a soft, rosy tint when viewed near the horizon.

Instead, the moon will appear in its usual silvery tone, though dust or pollution can sometimes give it a faint rosy tint near the horizon.

The title Pink Moon comes from seasonal wildflowers that bloom in early spring across the Northern Hemisphere, rather than the moon’s colour. 

While the exact peak falls in the middle of the day, the moon is expected to appear brightest later that evening.

In NSW, Victoria, ACT, and Tasmania, the moon will rise at 11.11pm AEDT, with the best viewing starting from 7.30pm AEDT. 

A super pink moon rises over Sydney CBD. Photo: Wolter Peeters (Sydney Morning Herald)

The April full moon is also known as the Paschal Moon, which determines the timing of Easter in many Christian calendars.

The Pink Moon is the fourth of 13 full moons lighting up the sky in 2026. 

It follows last month’s total lunar eclipse – often referred to as a “blood moon” – which drew attention across Australia as the moon took on a deep red hue during the rare celestial event.

GALLERY: Rare super blue blood moon rises over Australia

For the best chance of viewing the Pink Moon, clear skies and low light pollution will offer the clearest conditions, with darker areas outside the city providing the best views.

The next full moon, known as the Flower Moon, is set to rise on May 1.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

Born Again Season 2 Unveils the True Cost of Living as a Supervillain

0



Spoiler Alert: Details from “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2, Episode 2 – “Shoot the Moon”

At the conclusion of the first season of “Daredevil: Born Again,” Wilson Fisk, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio, seemed to have everything under control. Ascending to the position of New York City’s mayor, he executed his ambitious Freeport scheme, maneuvering goods and illicit materials with ease. His Safer Streets Initiative, effectively a martial law, helped him keep vigilantes and political adversaries in check while maintaining his popularity among the public. However, the second season quickly proves that Fisk’s seemingly unassailable position is more precarious than it appears.

Fisk finds himself beset by a myriad of challenges, including mounting political pressure from state authorities and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Meanwhile, Daredevil, played by Charlie Cox, is rallying a resistance against him, and the unpredictable Bullseye, enacted by Wilson Bethel, is further complicating matters. Compounding these external threats are internal issues: leaks from within Fisk’s own circle are undermining his authority, with the information being used in a biting online parody that eats away at his credibility.

Fisk sought the limelight and now faces the harsh reality of his choices. The transition from being a clandestine crime boss to a public figure has exposed him to vulnerabilities he hadn’t anticipated. The second episode strongly suggests that the source of the leaks is his protégé, Daniel Blake, played by Michael Gandolfini, who seems oblivious to his role in the unfolding drama.

“Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 paints a vivid picture of the pitfalls that can ensnare a politically ambitious supervillain. From the very first episode, the Attorney General’s office scrutinizes Kingpin’s actions, questioning his authority as a mayor operating without state consultation. The intrigue deepens with the entrance of Mr. Charles, played by Matthew Lillard, and the involvement of CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, whose presence is felt through a decisive phone call. Although Julia Louis-Dreyfus doesn’t appear on screen, her character’s influence is unmistakable, halting state intervention against Fisk. Yet, the CIA’s involvement is not altruistic; they plan to exploit the Freeport operations for their own covert purposes, with Mr. Charles stepping in as Fisk’s overseer.

A villain doesn’t exist in a vacuum

“Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 does a fine job showing what might actually happen to a politics-themed supervillain with a penchant for ambitious stunts. In Episode 1, The Attorney General’s office is immediately on Kingpin’s case, since no lowly mayor should be doing stuff like this without consulting the state’s higher-ups. Then, the spookshow rolls in, as Mr. Charles (Matthew Lillard) enters the scene and CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus, though tragically not seen or heard here) contributes a pointed phone call that stops state authorities from hounding Fisk. Of course, the CIA isn’t supporting a supervillain out of charity. They’ll be using Freeport to move their own shady freight, thank you very much, and Mr. Charles is set up to act as Kingpin’s handler.

As de Fontaine herself learned while attempting to turn Marvel’s multi-superpowered Sentry (Lewis Pullman) into a pet project in “Thunderbolts*,” there’s always a bigger fish. Now, her agency acts in that capacity against the Big Bad of “Daredevil: Born Again.” The turmoil Kingpin is facing is a fun reality check on what making major moves as a villain in the politics game might actually be like. Sure, your evil plan might technically succeed, but other powers with vested interests in your dealings will absolutely swoop in to see what’s what, and you’ll always be a target for parodies, ridicule, and betrayals.

“Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 is streaming on Disney+. 



Shocking Arrest in Gainesville: Roommate Standoff Ends with Man in Custody

0

By Staff Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a dramatic turn of events, 26-year-old Muhammad Kishta was taken into custody this morning after allegedly holding his roommate at gunpoint, demanding a confession to his deity, Muhammad.

The incident came to light when an officer from the Gainesville Police Department responded to a 911 call made by Kishta himself. Kishta had requested a face-to-face meeting with law enforcement, claiming he was under surveillance by cameras and computers. The officer met him at his residence at Windsor Park, located at 3705 SW 27th St., where Kishta spoke of philosopher stones and curses. He reportedly sought arrest to gain protection under law enforcement and to be taken to the military.

As the situation unfolded, a mental health co-responder team was called to assess Kishta’s state. However, before their arrival, a neighbor reported a heated exchange coming from Kishta’s apartment. She recounted overhearing a man declare, “I don’t want to pull the trigger, I’m not here to pull the trigger,” followed by a profane outburst, although she did not hear another voice.

Upon returning to the scene with the co-responder team, officers were met with Kishta’s raised voice from inside the apartment. When they knocked, Kishta opened the door brandishing a firearm. Officers immediately drew their weapons, prompting Kishta to lower his gun. He then launched into a tirade about governmental conspiracies and the alleged global takeover by Chinese nationals.

After Kishta was arrested, officers discovered that his roommate was sitting in the living room. The roommate said he had been in his bedroom sleeping when Kishta knocked on his door. When he opened the bedroom door, Kishta allegedly pointed a gun at him and moved him into the living room at gunpoint. The victim said Kishta made him sit down on the couch and told him that he needed to confess to his god, Muhammad; he also said “something about science.” The victim said Kishta threatened to shoot him.

Kishta reportedly told the officer that he does not have any mental health diagnoses, but the officer, believing him to be a threat to others, referred him for emergency mental health services under the Baker Act.

Kishta has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping. His criminal history and bail amount will be available after he attends a First Appearance hearing.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


Greene County Mayoral and Sheriff Candidates Present Their Visions for Office to Local Residents


Residents of Greene County, Tennessee, had the opportunity to engage with the candidates vying for positions in the upcoming mayoral and sheriff’s elections, as the primary set for May 5 approaches.

The candidates presented their visions on Thursday evening at a forum conducted at the Lyceum on the Niswonger Campus of Walter State Community College in Greeneville.

Current Mayor Kevin Morrison opened the discussion, highlighting his commitment to enhancing the county’s infrastructure.

“With the significant increase in population we’ve experienced, addressing infrastructure is crucial,” Morrison shared with News Channel 11. “Our roads and bridges are under more strain due to the higher number of residents. We also require expanded water, sewer, and broadband services, which are costly endeavors. However, with more residents come greater needs.”

Father Receives Sentence for Fatally Shooting Son in the Head After Dispute

0

A Miami father has been handed a prison sentence exceeding ten years after a Ring doorbell camera captured him confessing to the fatal shooting of his son during a domestic dispute.

David De Jesus Contreras, aged 53, admitted guilt on Monday for the death of his son, Eric Contreras, a 23-year-old pursuing a degree in construction management at Florida International University. The tragic incident unfolded following a family outing to Walt Disney World in November 2023, according to a report from the Miami Herald.

Initially charged with second-degree murder, Contreras saw his charge reduced to manslaughter. Consequently, Judge David Young sentenced him to 12 years in prison, to be followed by a decade of probation.

Prosecutors revealed that the father and son had engaged in a heated argument concerning the young man’s social activities during their drive back from Disney World on November 3, 2023. It was during this altercation that Contreras resorted to gunfire.

Subsequent to the incident, Contreras contacted 911, admitting to the shooting and expressing to dispatchers that he “lost it.” He reiterated his confession to law enforcement officers upon their arrival at the family home in Kendall.

Damning footage from the family’s Ring doorbell camera also showed the father trying to explain to his wife what he had done to their son.

‘Is he alive? Is he breathing?’ the frantic wife asked.

‘He’s not breathing. He’s dead. The fighting on the way home was unbearable, we got here and it was one second to the next,’ Contreras said through tears. 

David De Jesus Contreras, 53, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Monday for killing his son, Eric Contreras, 23

David De Jesus Contreras, 53, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Monday for killing his son, Eric Contreras, 23

Prosecutors have said the father and son had been arguing about the college student's social plans all the way home from their Disney World trip on November 3, 2023, when the elder Contreras opened fire

Prosecutors have said the father and son had been arguing about the college student’s social plans all the way home from their Disney World trip on November 3, 2023, when the elder Contreras opened fire

Minutes later, police arrive at the property and officers’ bodycam footage captured a second confession.

‘I just shot my son,’ Contreras wails as armed police made their way over to him in the driveway.

Officers then found Eric’s body riddled with gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The father later claimed he had acted in self-defense, after suffering years of abuse at the hands of his own son. 

He painted a picture of his son as a violent man who had struggled with mental health issues. 

Family members supported David as he faced charges for his son’s death, and last year a judge even allowed him to remain with his wife and family while he awaited trial, NBC Miami reports. 

But prosecutors argued the evidence suggested Eric was kneeling or crouching down at the time of his death, according to Law & Crime.

Eric’s friends also disputed David’s characterization of the college student, as they lamented that they were not allowed to attend Eric’s funeral and burial.

‘An entire community was denied the opportunity to mourn, grieve and honor his life,’ said one friend who had known Eric since they were in first grade together. 

‘It wasn’t until everyone realized that Eric’s own family was defending his murderer that we were able to start grieving properly.’ 

David was originally charged with second-degree murder, but the charge was downgraded to manslaughter under a plea deal

David was originally charged with second-degree murder, but the charge was downgraded to manslaughter under a plea deal

David De Jesus Contreras was caught on Ring doorbell camera trying to explain to his wife what had happened before his arrest

David De Jesus Contreras was caught on Ring doorbell camera trying to explain to his wife what had happened before his arrest

The friend described how he first bonded with Eric when he was in a wheelchair suffering from an injury and he kept Eric company during recess and they bonded over a shared love of the arts.

‘Eric sketched, he painted, he picked up instruments, he played sports,’ the friend recounted.

Eric’s girlfriend also told the judge that he was the most considerate person she had ever known, recounting how he purchased $300 worth of the textbooks she needed for her MBA degree when she couldn’t afford it and learned Spanish to communicate with her family.

He even joined her at the cemetery to visit the grave of her father, who died when she was just eight years old, the girlfriend testified, according to the Miami Herald.

‘His love was the kind of love that made me a better version of myself,’ she said. ‘I found a love that people search their whole entire lives for.’ 

Another friend also read a statement on behalf of Eric’s supporters, calling him a ‘great friend’ who was ‘kind, passionate and never failed to put a smile on our faces.

‘It’s disgusting to see his name slandered by his own blood,’ the friend said of David’s assertions that his son was violent. 

‘We were worried about getting justice for Eric, as his family shut us out,’ the friend continued, adding: ‘We’re here because he deserved better, in life and in death.’ 

One friend even described Eric as a ‘young man who would have cared for his parents as they aged, who would have given them grandchildren, who wore his father’s spirit and his father’s name,’ Local 10 News reports.  

‘David took from the world the very person that loved him the most.’ 

David told the judge on Monday he has accepted his fate, but that response did not seem to satisfy the judge

David told the judge on Monday he has accepted his fate, but that response did not seem to satisfy the judge

Eric's friends described him as a kind and considerate person, as they lamented that they were not able to attend his burial and funeral mass

Eric’s friends described him as a kind and considerate person, as they lamented that they were not able to attend his burial and funeral mass

David declined to address his son’s friends – leading Judge Young to say the family deprived his friends of the opportunity to properly mourn Eric. 

When he then handed down his sentence, the judge said the 12-year term behind bars is ‘for the pain you caused each and every one of them. And continue to cause them because of your selfishness and your family’s selfishness and not letting them grieve, not letting them attend a memorial service, a mass, which [is] so deeply important to those of their faith.’

David then replied, ‘I am the one that has to live with it and I have accepted it,’ as he buried his face in his hands.

But that response did not seem to satisfy the judge.

‘You have to live with it, sir? Your wife has to live with it, sir. Your future grandchildren have to live with it sir,’ Young replied. ‘A lot of people. It’s horrible.’

Following the sentencing, David’s attorney, Frank Quintero told reporters: ‘Of course he’s sorry.

‘No father intentionally wants to kill his kid.’ 

ICE Agent Injured in Collision Involving Fleeing Migrant

0

In Sacramento, an unlawful immigrant with a significant criminal record, including battery and possession of a firearm, hit an ICE agent with his car during a traffic stop.

The Department of Homeland Security reported that authorities attempted to detain Xa Lee, a criminal illegal immigrant from Laos, during a targeted operation on March 25. Lee, who has a history of serious offenses, chose to flee the scene in his vehicle, colliding with an ICE agent in the process. Fortunately, the agent was not injured in the incident.

Lee’s criminal history is extensive, including convictions for vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, petty theft, two DUIs, resisting an officer, battery, and felony firearm possession, according to information from DHS.

In 2010, an immigration judge had already issued a final order for Lee’s removal from the United States. Despite this, he remained in the country, continuing to engage in unlawful activities.

An immigration judge had issued a final order for Lee’s removal from the US in 2010.

The Sacramento incident follows another dangerous confrontation between ICE agents and a violent suspect only weeks earlier.

In mid‑March, federal officials released a graphic photograph showing gruesome bite marks on the arm of an ICE agent after an alleged member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua attacked him during an attempted arrest in San Diego.

And last week, ICE took custody of a suspected illegal migrant in the San Fernando Valley who had been confronted by members of the public while carrying what was described as a homemade flamethrower.

Bystanders reportedly tackled the man and secured him with zip ties before handing him over to federal officers amid active wildfires burning in the region.


Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!


Celebrated Cast of ‘The Testaments’ Gathers for Hollywood Premiere

0

Hollywood glistened with excitement as the stars gathered for the premiere of “The Testaments,” where a plum-colored carpet set the scene for a night filled with anticipation and glamour.

This highly-anticipated series is an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel, aptly titled “The Testaments.” It serves as a sequel to her widely acclaimed work, “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

The show features an ensemble cast including Ann Dowd, Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Brad Alexander, Rowan Blanchard, Mattea Conforti, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya, and Kira Guloien.

Set in the dystopian world of Gilead, the story unfolds years after the events of “The Handmaid’s Tale.” It follows the lives of teenagers Agnes, played by Chase Infiniti, and Daisy, portrayed by Lucy Halliday, as they navigate their education at an elite preparatory school designed for future wives, under the watchful eye of Aunt Lydia, brought to life by Ann Dowd.

Lucy Halliday shared her excitement with On The Red Carpet, expressing her admiration for Atwood’s work since childhood. “Stepping into this world is nothing short of magical,” she revealed. “I feel a sense of responsibility to do it justice and hope audiences love it as much as they did ‘Handmaid’s.’ I’m both thrilled and nervous, but ultimately, I’m incredibly proud of the show.”

Infiniti said each episode has something really special.

“There are so many good Agnes moments and that’s why there’s not one specific episode that I can pick because there’s a moment in each one that I’m very proud of and also that I’m excited by,” she explained.

Dowd’s Aunt Lydia was a vital character in “The Handmaid’s Tale” and she said she enjoyed continuing the story with these young actresses.

“It’s been such a pleasure, this whole new group of people to work with, these young beautiful actresses who are so good at what they do and are such a pleasure to be with. I feel very fortunate indeed,” she said.

Showrunner and executive producer Bruce Miller sang the praises of his cast, especially Infiniti and Halliday.

“They are very well versed with the material, both of them. They love Margaret Atwood, they read the books, they’ve seen the other show so they brought a ‘Gilead-ness’ to them,” he said.

“The world we live in is challenging. This show, part of the ‘Handmaid’s’ universe, offers hope,” added executive producer, Warren Littlefield. “This next generation, they’re so smart and they’re so strong and they’re so resilient.”

Watch the new story unfold when the first three episodes of “The Testaments” premiere April 8 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+. New episodes will drop weekly. You can also watch all six seasons of “The Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Hulu and this ABC station.

Copyright © 2026 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.

Eurovision Expands to Asia: Celebrating Cultural Diversity in New Edition

0


In Brief

  • The music spectacle Eurovision will hold its first Asian edition in Bangkok, Thailand, in November.
  • Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan are taking part.

Eurovision to Launch First Asian Edition in Bangkok Later This Year

The iconic Eurovision Song Contest is set to make its Asian debut with the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026, taking place in Bangkok. This new edition will feature artists from at least 10 Asian countries, including Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Organizers anticipate additional countries will participate before the grand finale scheduled for November.

Martin Green, the contest’s director, expressed excitement over this expansion, highlighting the significance of launching in Asia on Eurovision’s 70th anniversary. He described the region as a “treasure trove of culture, creativity, and talent.”

Chuwit Sirivajjakul from the Thailand Tourism Authority emphasized Bangkok’s suitability as the host city, noting its history as a melting pot of cultures, its vibrant music scene, and its reputation for celebration and festivity.

SBS is not competing in the Asian edition but the broadcaster welcomed the initiative.

“SBS has long recognised the strong appetite for Eurovision and its unique ability to connect audiences through music and shared cultural moments,” an SBS spokesperson said.

“We’re pleased to see continued interest in celebrating these kinds of connections across the region and will be watching with interest as it develops.”

The main gala, run by the European Broadcasting Union, draws more than 100 million viewers every year.

The main competition, with 35 competing countries, is scheduled to be held in Vienna in May.

Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain are boycotting the event due to discord over Israel’s participation.

The contest strives to put pop music before politics but has repeatedly been embroiled in world events.

Russia was expelled in 2022 after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Gaza war stirred protests outside the venues, leading organisers to clamp down on political flag-waving.

Similar tensions could emerge in Asia after Thailand and Cambodia engaged in deadly border clashes twice in 2025.


For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.