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Urgent Recall: Metal Fragments Found in Ice Cream Sold Across 17 States

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Straus Family Creamery has initiated a voluntary recall of select flavors and sizes of its organic ice cream due to potential contamination with metal fragments. This recall has been announced by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

The affected ice cream products, which reached stores on May 4, were distributed across 17 states. These states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Updated:

(WHTM) — Straus Family Creamery is voluntarily recalling a number of flavors and sizes of its organic ice cream over concerns they may contain the presence of metal fragments, according the recall posted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

The recalled ice cream was distributed to retailers in 17 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. The ice cream product hit the shelves on May 4.

The only products affected by this recall are:

Product: Container Size: Best By Date: UPC:
Ice Cream Vanilla Bean Pint Dec. 23, 2026
Dec. 28, 2026
7-84830-10030-6
7-84830-10030-6
Ice Cream Strawberry Quart Dec. 24, 2026 7-84830-10097-9
Ice Cream Strawberry Pint Dec. 25, 2026 7-84830-10095-5
Ice Cream Cookie Dough Pint Dec. 26, 2026 7-84830-10104-4
Ice Cream Dutch Chocolate Quart Dec. 27, 2026 7-84830-10012-2
Ice Cream Mint Chip Pint Dec. 30, 2026 7-84830-10050-4
Courtesy of FDA

“BEST BY” dates can be found printed in black on the outside bottom of the containers, the company says.

Consumers should not to eat the affected products. Instead, you’re advised to either return it to the store you purchased it from or throw it away.

To date, there have been no injuries reported.

Customers who would like to receive a voucher to redeem for a replacement product at their local retailer can visit the Straus Family Creamery recall page. The company says it’s working with retailers to make sure the potentially affected products are removed from shelves.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact Straus Family Creamery by emailing support@strausmilk.com or by calling 1-707-776-2887 from 9:30 am to 5 p.m. PT Mondays-Fridays.

Straus Family Creamery Issues Voluntary Recall of Ice Cream Flavors Across 17 States

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Our love for ice cream takes a sharp turn as concerns arise over metal shards lurking in our favorite treat.

Straus Family Creamery has initiated a voluntary recall of several ice cream flavors due to fears they might contain “metal foreign material.”

This recall pertains to specific flavors distributed across 17 states: Arizona, Colorado, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. These products have been available since May 4.

“Ensuring food safety and maintaining product quality are our highest priorities. Straus Family Creamery is acting with an abundance of caution and has put in place necessary corrective measures,” the company stated.

Founded in 1994, the California-based creamery is collaborating with local retailers to pull the affected items from shelves. Fortunately, the FDA reports that no injuries have been associated with these products.

The affected flavors include pints of vanilla bean with best-by dates of Dec. 23 and 28; quarts of strawberry with a best-by date of Dec. 24 and pints of the same flavor with a best-by date of Dec. 25; cookie dough pints with a best-by date of Dec. 26; quarts of Dutch chocolate with a best-by date of Dec. 27, and mint chip pints with a best-by date of Dec. 30.

The company said it is unable to provide refunds to customers who may have purchased the tainted desserts, but customers can apply for a voucher for a replacement product.

These are not the only items to be pulled from store shelves in recent weeks.

Spring & Mulberry expanded the recall of its $10 a pop date-sweetened chocolate bars on May 11 over possible salmonella contamination.

Utz Quality Foods LLC, a subsidiary of Pennsylvania-based Utz Brands Inc, recalled some varieties of its Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips also over salmonella concerns, the FDA announced on May 4.

Straus Family Creamery urged customers to dispose of possibly affected ice cream cartons in the trash, and said there was no need to return them to the store.

Mother Accused of Killing Her Children Faces Cold Reception at Heartbreaking Funeral

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A tragic incident in a Boston suburb has left a community in mourning, as a Massachusetts mother stands accused of taking the lives of her two young children. At a recent funeral service, there was no mention of the mother amidst the tributes for the children.

The lives of Kai and Ella MacAusland, aged seven and six respectively, were cut short on April 24. Police allege that their mother, Janette MacAusland, 49, strangled them at their family home in Wellesley, which was valued at $1.5 million.

Following the incident, Janette, who works as an acupuncturist, reportedly traveled to her aunt’s residence in Bennington, Vermont. There, she was apprehended and allegedly confessed to the police, expressing a desire for her and her children to “go to God together,” as reported by The Boston Globe.

Amidst a contentious divorce from her husband, 62-year-old Sam MacAusland, Janette is facing two murder charges and has entered a plea of not guilty.

This past Saturday, a heartbroken congregation of family and friends gathered at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Wellesley. They came together to honor and bid farewell to the cherished siblings, leaving the community to grapple with their loss.

Several people, including neighbors, family friends, and their father, Sam, stood in front of their small caskets, sharing bittersweet memories of Ella and Kai. 

At times, speakers would allude to the extreme circumstances surrounding their deaths, but Janette was never brought up. 

Janette was also not in attendance as she remains in custody at Western Mass Regional Women’s Correctional Center in Massachusetts. 

A funeral for Kai and Ella MacAusland was held on Saturday afternoon, weeks after their mother, Janette MacAusland, allegedly killed them

A funeral for Kai and Ella MacAusland was held on Saturday afternoon, weeks after their mother, Janette MacAusland, allegedly killed them

During the emotional service, the children's father, Sam MacAusland, stood up in front of everyone and placed his hand in the shape of a heart. He said it was something his son Kai used to do

During the emotional service, the children’s father, Sam MacAusland, stood up in front of everyone and placed his hand in the shape of a heart. He said it was something his son Kai used to do

People who spoke about the brother and sister took time to mention Sam, with one close friend stating: ‘The way he loved those children was unbelievable.’

Sam also got up and shared a series of stories about his beloved children, and shared a sentimental moment with guests when he placed his hands in the shape of a heart,  telling everyone it was something Kai used to do. 

‘The most wonderful thing I loved about them was the way they helped each other,’ Sam said before leading the congregation. 

He also touched upon their favorite things to do, including dancing, swimming, drawing rainbows and hearts, and more. 

Sam also shared a song that his daughter wrote called ‘Rainbow colors.’ 

‘Rainbow shine down on my family. Rainbow shine down on my family… Rainbow colors shine down on my family,’ he said, reciting the lyrics. 

Another woman, who said she and her family live across the street from the MacAuslands, said they had spent time with Ella and Kai just days before their deaths. 

‘Our street is too quiet now. Our lives feel duller. We miss you, and you will live on in our hearts,’ the neighbor added. 

Several people stood in front of their small caskets, sharing bittersweet memories of Ella and Kai at the funeral inside St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Wellesley

Several people stood in front of their small caskets, sharing bittersweet memories of Ella and Kai at the funeral inside St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Wellesley

Many recalled the late brother and sister sharing a special and close bond that was very strong

Many recalled the late brother and sister sharing a special and close bond that was very strong

The hour-long service was followed by a private burial, according to Kai and Ella’s obituary. 

Kai was in second grade, and his sister was in kindergarten at Schofield Elementary School.

After her arrest, Janette was seen with a visible bloody neck injury in her mugshot. 

‘I strangled them and then I tried to kill myself,’ she told an officer with the Bennington Police Department.

‘I wanted the three of us to go to God together, but it didn’t work,’ MacAusland added, per the police report.

After hearing her chilling confession, authorities in Vermont immediately notified police in Massachusetts, who conducted a welfare check on the couple’s home, where they discovered the deceased children. 

At the time, Sam was in New Hampshire and was alerted by a neighbor that police were at his home, according to dispatch records first obtained by The Globe. 

He desperately called 911 for answers, with a dispatcher telling the police commander at the scene: ‘The father is on the phone now.. (He’s) uncontrollable.

‘He really needs to know what’s going on,’ the dispatcher said. 

The commander then said he was trying to connect Sam to law enforcement near him in New Hampshire, while investigators searched the gruesome scene where his children were murdered.

Janette shared heartwarming photos of her children alongside her estranged husband on social media before their deaths

Janette shared heartwarming photos of her children alongside her estranged husband on social media before their deaths

After her arrest, Janette sported a visible bloody neck injury after admitting to police that she had tried to kill herself that night. She is due to appear in court again in July

After her arrest, Janette sported a visible bloody neck injury after admitting to police that she had tried to kill herself that night. She is due to appear in court again in July

Police said Kai and Ella were strangled to death in their family home, and their bodies were left for ‘some time’ before they were discovered, but did not elaborate on how long it was before they were found. 

The dispatch logs also revealed the moment police found the children’s bodies, as an officer reported that he arrived to find no cars in the driveway and a ‘rear door unsecured.’

The officer at the scene told dispatch that seconds after entering the home, he found evidence that a gruesome crime had been committed.

‘There’s blood splatter,’ the officer said, according to police recordings posted by Broadcastify.

As more units arrived at the home around 10pm that night, officers then found the bodies of Kai and Ella strangled to death. 

MacAusland is due to appear back in court in July and has been held without bail following her arrest. 

Epic Showdown: How to Watch Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Live on Netflix – Fight Card & Start Time Revealed!


Netflix is diving into the adrenaline-pumped arena of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with a headline-worthy event that sees the return of Ronda Rousey facing off against Gina Carano.

The eagerly awaited showdown is set to take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. Rousey’s comeback fight, after nearly ten years away from the MMA spotlight, will be the main attraction in a dynamic lineup that includes five main card fights and six preliminary bouts. This event marks Rousey’s transition back to MMA from her stint in WWE, and it will unfold within the confines of a hexagonal cage.

Ronda Rousey steps into the octagon with a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses, with her last appearances in the ring witnessing back-to-back defeats by Holly Holm via a knockout and Amanda Nunes through a technical knockout in 2015 and 2016, respectively. On the other side, Gina Carano boasts a 7-1 record, with her only loss dating back to 2009 against Cris Cyborg.

Adding to the excitement of the night, the main card features an impressive lineup: Nate Diaz squares off against Mike Perry, Francis Ngannou faces Philipe Lins, Salahdine Parnasse battles Kenneth Cross, and Junior Dos Santos takes on Robelis Despaigne.

For those eager to tune in, here’s everything you need to know about when to watch and how to stream Ronda Rousey’s much-anticipated return to the ring, exclusively on Netflix.

What Time Does The Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano Fight Start on Netflix?

The main card begins at 9:00 p.m. ET on Netflix, with preliminary bouts starting at 6:00 p.m. ET on MVP’s YouTube Channel and Netflix’s Tudum.

Is The Ronda Rousey Fight Free For Netflix Subscribers?

Yes! The fight is available to stream on Netflix at no additional cost to subscribers.

How To Watch Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Live On Netflix:

You can purchase Netflix for $8.99/month. Ad-free monthly options are also available for $19.99 (the Standard plan) or $26.99 (the Premium option).

Does Netflix Offer a Free Trial?

Nope. Unfortunately, the streamer isn’t currently offering a free trial.

Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano Fight Card:

Along with Rousey vs. Carano, the main card features four additional bouts:

  • Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry
  • Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins
  • Salahdine Parnasse vs. Kenneth Cross
  • Junior Dos Santos vs. Robelis Despaigne

The main card for the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight starts tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Former College Soccer Athlete Tragically Dies in Unapproved Boat Incident

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A tragic boating accident in Massachusetts has claimed the life of 24-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert, a former Union College soccer player. The incident occurred when Dankert and her friends purportedly commandeered a vessel without permission, resulting in a collision with a pier.

The Massachusetts State Police reported that the recreational powerboat crashed near a runway at Logan International Airport around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. This unfortunate event has sparked significant attention, primarily due to the group allegedly taking the boat after the club had closed for the evening.

According to Lee Gordon, a spokesperson for Brunswick Corporation, which owns the Freedom Boat Club, Dankert and her friends were in Boston’s Seaport District before they allegedly boarded the club’s vessel. The Freedom Boat Club operates globally, offering members an alternative to owning a boat with its extensive network of locations.

Dankert and her friends were in Boston’s Seaport District that night when they allegedly boarded a Freedom Boat Club vessel after the club had closed, according to Lee Gordon, a spokesperson for Brunswick Corporation, which owns the club, told Fox News Digital.

Freedom Boat Club operates as a membership-based alternative to boat ownership with hundreds of locations worldwide.

Boat crash into pier 4R, just off a runway at Logan International Airport in Boston

A damaged recreational boat sits near a pier at Logan International Airport in Boston after a crash Wednesday night that killed former Union College soccer player Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert, according to Massachusetts State Police. (Boston Emergency Medical Services)

“The vessel involved in the incident was taken without authorization and operated outside the knowledge and control of the Club, well after the Club had closed for the day,” Gordon said. “This activity did not occur within normal Club operations or established protocols governing access to and use of our vessels.

“We are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he added.

Boston EMS said in a Facebook post that crews responded to the crash overnight in difficult conditions, including darkness and slippery shoreline rocks near the pier.

EMTs worked with Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) fire crews to extricate four people from the rocks, including one critically injured patient.

Air traffic control tower and planes at Boston Logan Airport

A former collegiate student-athlete was killed after a recreational powerboat crashed into a pier near a runway at Logan International Airport late Wednesday night. (Getty Images, File)

Following the crash, the boat’s driver, Lawrence Shieh, 40, and two of Dankert’s 23-year-old friends were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital. 

The three suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to WCVB.

“Lizzie was an exceptional student-athlete who had a tremendous impact during her four years at Union College,” school spokesperson Phillip Wajda told Boston 25 in a statement.

“Her passing is a profound loss for our campus community,” he added.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is continuing to investigate the crash.

The attorney’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Tragic Collision: Four Critically Injured as Car Plows Into Pedestrians in Italy

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A driver has plowed into pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena, injuring eight people, four of them critically.

In a shocking incident, Mayor Massimo Mezzetti reported that although no fatalities occurred, four individuals are in critical condition following a severe crash. Among the injured, a woman tragically had to have both legs amputated after being pinned against a shop window.

The incident involves a 31-year-old male driver originally from Bergamo but raised in Modena’s province, as revealed by Mezzetti. The driver is currently in police custody, undergoing questioning. Investigators are working to ascertain if he was under the influence of any substances or if the act was intentional.

Blood is seen next to a destroyed car on a street of Modena, Italy, Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Blood is seen next to a destroyed car on a street of Modena, Italy, Saturday, May 16, 2026. (LaPresse via AP)

Describing the event, Mezzetti recounted that the vehicle veered onto a main street, where the driver mounted the sidewalk, striking several pedestrians before ultimately smashing into the shop window.

In total, the crash resulted in injuries to at least eight people, with four victims in extremely serious condition. Those wounded were swiftly transported to hospitals in Modena and Bologna, with helicopters deployed for the most critical cases.

After the crash, the driver attempted to escape the scene but was prevented from doing so by some of the affected bystanders, who detained him until the police arrived and escorted him to the station for further questioning.

Witnesses reported the man was holding a knife, but he did not manage to stab anyone, the mayor said, adding that investigators are still working to determine whether the act was deliberate or linked to other causes.

Financial Police patrol a scene after a car incident in a street of Modena, Italy, Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Financial Police patrol a scene after a car incident in a street of Modena, Italy, Saturday, May 16, 2026. (LaPresse via AP)

“Whatever the nature, it is a very serious act,” Mezzetti said. “If it were an attack, it would be even more serious.”

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni called the incident “extremely serious” in a social media post and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

Meloni thanked citizens who intervened to help stop the suspect and praised law enforcement, adding she was in contact with local authorities and expected the suspect to be held fully accountable.

Emergency services, including police, carabinieri and financial police, responded to the scene, which was cordoned off as ambulances treated victims in the street.

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Shocking Train vs. Septic Truck Collision: Dramatic Video Shows Driver’s Narrow Escape

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A startling video has surfaced, capturing the dramatic collision of a train with a truck transporting a septic tank in Virginia. The impact resulted in sewage being scattered across the road and left the truck driver with severe injuries.

Authorities in Chesapeake revealed that the driver, who sustained critical injuries, apparently ignored a stop sign and drove onto the tracks on Thursday, as per their initial investigation.

At approximately 4 p.m., the ill-fated truck, laden with a large silver septic tank, was struck by an approaching train in a T-bone collision, vividly depicted in the footage.


A photo showing sewage flying from the truck during the crash.
Sewages spewed from the ill-fated truck as it collided with the train. Storyful

The force of the crash sent the truck careening out of control, uprooting a tree as it released a cloud of murky sewage into the air.

Eventually, the wrecked vehicle came to rest by the roadside, with the pungent, hazardous liquid continuing to spill onto the pavement.

“Holy s–t! Holy f–k!” the man who captured the harrowing footage, Azuriah O’Daniel, screamed in terror. “Oh my God, what the f–k?”


A photo of a firetruck at the scene.
The driver was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. Storyful

First responders rushed to the scene and took the male driver to the hospital. He was in stable condition as of Friday, WAVY reported.

Authorities have not released any further information about his identity. 

Police said the dramatic incident triggered a “minor hazmat situation,” but there was no immediate threat to the public. 

No one onboard the train was injured, according to Norfolk Southern.

The crash is under investigation and the Chesapeake Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for more information. 

Tragic Oversight: Father’s Dismissal of Warnings Leads to Son’s Fatal Encounter with Cane Corsos

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An 11-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being attacked by two Cane Corso dogs, despite repeated warnings against his presence around them, a court has learned.

The incident occurred in April 2024 at a residence in Edmonton, Canada, where the young boy, Kache Grist, was staying with his father, Wesley Grist. The dogs’ owner, Crystal MacDonald, is currently facing charges related to this heartbreaking event.

MacDonald, who has pleaded not guilty to criminal negligence causing death, revealed in court that the dogs had a history of aggression. Prior to the fatal attack, the dogs had reportedly assaulted a female neighbor and killed both a Pomeranian and a cat.

At the time of the incident, MacDonald and Wesley Grist were living together as roommates. Kache, who resided in British Columbia, was visiting his father during his spring break when the tragedy occurred.

During her testimony, MacDonald stated that she had expressed her concerns about Kache staying at the home. She pointed out that the dogs had previously attacked a woman in the backyard just two months earlier.

‘I said, “Absolutely not, I don’t think it’s a good idea,”‘ MacDonald told the court, according to CTV News.

Before Kache’s death, the two dogs, named Khaos and Kairo, each weighing more than 100 pounds, mauled Tina Kelepouris, leaving her with three broken ribs, a punctured lung and more than a dozen stitches.

Wesley Grist testified that he was cleaning tools in the garage when Kache went inside to play a new video game. 

When he entered the house, he found his son lying in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor with the two dogs standing nearby.

Kache Grist, 11, was visiting his father in Edmonton during spring break when he was attacked inside the home by two Cane Corsos in Apil 2024

The two Cane Corsos, Kairo and Khaos, are seen in the yard of the home after Kache's death

The two Cane Corsos, Kairo and Khaos, are seen in the yard of the home after Kache’s death 

MacDonald and Kache's father, Wesley Grist, were roommates at the time

MacDonald and Kache’s father, Wesley Grist, were roommates at the time

But MacDonald said Grist ignored her warning and arrived at the house with his son anyway.

She testified that she repeatedly told Grist not to leave Kache alone with the dogs and warned the boy that the animals had previously attacked both people and pets.

MacDonald also tried to board the dogs at a kennel during Kache’s visit, but they were turned away because they did not have the required vaccinations.

The day before he died, MacDonald hid Easter eggs filled with chocolate and money around the house for Kache.

On the day of the attack, she said she placed the dogs in their kennels before leaving for work.

Later that day, she received a phone call telling her that Kache had been killed.

An autopsy found the boy died from a bite wound to the neck. The dogs were later euthanized.

Wesley Grist testified that he was in the garage cleaning tools when Kache went inside to play a new video game.

Kache pictured with his mom Kendrah

Kache pictured with his mom Kendrah

A photo of one of Crystal MacDonald's Cane Corso dogs is displayed on her refrigerator

A photo of one of Crystal MacDonald’s Cane Corso dogs is displayed on her refrigerator

Court heard the boy then let Khaos into the house from the backyard.

During cross-examination, prosecutor Anders Quist asked MacDonald whether she knew the dogs were capable of killing the boy.

‘I knew they were capable of killing anyone,’ she said.

The trial continues. 

UK Defense Gaps Revealed as Britain Steers Clear of Iran Conflict Amid Trump’s Remarks

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LONDON: The United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy military resources to protect the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic move aimed at ensuring maritime security in the region.

This decision could potentially mend some ties with the United States. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s hesitance to participate in the U.S.-led “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran has stirred discontent in Washington, particularly with President Donald Trump.

President Trump has criticized Starmer, drawing unfavorable comparisons by stating, “He’s no Churchill.” In a recent conversation with Sky News, Trump expressed his disappointment over the perceived lack of British support: “When we asked them for help, they were not there. When we needed them, they were not there… And they still aren’t there.”

British soldiers participating in Swift Response 22 military exercise at Krivolak Military Training Center

The British military’s involvement in joint exercises demonstrates their capability to support global operations. In a recent maneuver, British troops participated in the Swift Response 22 exercise at the Krivolak Military Training Center in North Macedonia on May 12, 2022. This exercise, involving around 4,600 soldiers from North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Greece, Italy, France, the UK, and the US, showcased NATO’s ability to deploy forces worldwide and work together seamlessly. (Robert Atanasovski/AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier in March, President Trump also criticized the readiness of the British Navy during a meeting at the White House, further adding to the tensions between the two nations.

“We had the U.K. say that, ‘We’ll send’— this is three weeks ago — ‘we’ll send our aircraft carriers,’ which aren’t the best aircraft carriers, by the way,” Trump said, according to Sky News. “They’re toys compared to what we have.”

Two recent reports by a leading military expert and a parliamentary committee may, in part, explain why the U.K. didn’t join the war in an offensive measure.

In a report titled, “Iran War Delivers a Tough Lesson in Hard Power to the U.K.,” Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), wrote, “The outbreak of a new war in the Middle East has led to questions about the U.K.’s relevance in international affairs. Alongside debates about legality and politics, there are some hard truths about military power and the reality of the readiness of the U.K.’s armed forces.”

UK MILITARY

FILE: Soldiers in action as the British Army demonstrate the latest and future technology used on operations across the globe on Salisbury plain training area on October 29, 2019 in Salisbury, England.  (Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

While the report was written with the war still raging on, Savill stated, “Pressure is growing for the deployment of more U.K. forces to the region and direct involvement in strikes, but the government will need to answer difficult questions about prioritization and the effect that it might be trying to achieve. The consequence is that as much as intent and policy drive U.K. involvement, the practical realities will constrain what the U.K. can do.”

Savill added, “On the defensive side, the U.K. has not been idle… [U.K. assets] which also appear to have included some counter-drone units – have been involved in downing Iranian drones while defending Jordan and Iraq.”

U.S. President Donald Trump delivering remarks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer applauding

President Donald Trump delivers remarks as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer applaud following the signing of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Oct. 13, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

Savill wrote that “The challenge for the U.K. is that in the past few years, the commitments and visible presence of U.K. Armed Forces in the region have been shrinking, as a result of the pressure on the military, and a conscious decision to prioritize elsewhere, most recently in the ‘NATO First’ approach of the Strategic Defense Review of 2025.”

While the Starmer government has committed to increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, experts warn that this investment may be too late to restore the U.K.’s ability to project power globally in the near term.

John Hemmings, director of the National Security Center at Henry Jackson, told Fox News, “The U.K.’s military capabilities have been systematically underfunded over the past 15 years, with the Spending Review and cuts starting in 2009 and 2010 under Prime Minister David Cameron. The Strategic Defense and Security Review (SDSR) at the time stated that the world was headed in a much more dangerous state, but the fiscal devastation of the 2008 Financial Crisis pushed the Government into a series of cuts that were intended to be short-term. Instead, the Cameron Government sent the U.K.’s armed services into a spiral of terminal decline that has lasted until this day,” he said.

The Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon moored in the Royal Navy Dockyard in Portsmouth, England

The Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon is moored in the Royal Navy Dockyard in Portsmouth, England, on Oct. 28, 2024. Britain announced on May 12, 2026 that it will deploy autonomous mine hunting equipment, counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.  (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Hemmings added, “Consider the Royal Navy, the U.K.’s premier service and source of great power reach; only 25 out of 63 commissioned vessels are actual fighting ships. This force size is impossible to service Britain’s overseas responsibilities and has seen cuts of 50% in only 30 years. In 1996, there were 22 frigates, 17 submarines, 15 destroyers, and 3 aircraft carriers. Today’s First Sea Lord must attempt to carry out the same duties with seven frigates, 10 submarines, six destroyers, two aircraft carriers. In addition, the U.K. underfunded new capabilities like domestic air and missile defenses and advanced command and control systems.”

A U.S. Navy ship launching Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles at sea

A U.S. Navy ship launches Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles in support of Operation Epic Fury. (U.S. Central Command Public Affairs)

A second report released last month, by the House of Lords International Relations and Defense Committee titled: ‘Adjusting to new realities: rebalancing the U.K.-U.S. partnership,’ presents several key recommendations where it warned of the over-dependence on the U.S. “Although the U.K. has benefited from closely collaborating with the U.S. on defense, this has fostered a dependency culture leading to a decline in U.K. capabilities and loss of U.K. credibility in Washington. The Government should provide a clear and costed pathway to achieving the commitment to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.”

While the Ministry of Defense did not respond to several requests for comment over the state of forces, Fox News Digital recently reported that the U.K. government said it is reversing an attrition rate in the military, stating that total armed forces strength stood at 182,050 personnel as of Jan. 1, 2026, including 136,960 regular troops, an increase from the previous year.

The government has also pledged what it calls the largest sustained rise in defense spending since the Cold War, with military spending set to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2027, backed by an additional £5 billion (approximately $6.6 billion) this financial year and £270 billion (nearly $360 billion) in defense investment over the course of the current parliament. Britain has also said it aims to raise defense spending to 3% of GDP by the end of the next parliament.

Analysts say while some in the Trump administration see the U.K.’s absence as a betrayal of the special relationship, others may say it is a tough lesson in the limitations of a mid-sized power that has tried to maintain a global footprint on a shrinking budget.

AANHPI Heritage Month 2026: ‘Our Chicago: Breaking Barriers’ Commemorates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Contributions

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In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, ABC7 is featuring a special series titled “Our Chicago: Breaking Barriers.” The series aims to highlight the diverse cultures and contributions of the AANHPI community.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Crying Tiger

In one segment, Eric Horng has a conversation with Thai Dang, the executive chef at Crying Tiger.

Originally from Vietnam, Dang relocated to the United States at the age of seven. As one of nine siblings, his culinary journey began in his own home, heavily influenced by his mother, Tin Thi Do, who was both an inspirational cook and his early mentor.

Dang’s career took a significant turn when he moved to Chicago to join the esteemed L2O restaurant, where he worked under the guidance of chef Laurent Gras. This opportunity allowed him to immerse himself in the world of Michelin-starred fine dining. He later made a name for himself as the chef of Embeya, which earned a spot on Esquire’s list of Best New Restaurants.

His culinary skills further flourished with the opening of HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen in 2017, which quickly gained a reputation as one of Chicago’s premier Vietnamese dining establishments. In 2025, Dang expanded his culinary ventures by launching Crying Tiger in collaboration with Lettuce Entertain You.

Sherrie Tan

Cate Cauguiran interviewed food influencer Sherrie Tan.

Tan is a Chicago-based lifestyle and food influencer best known for her Instagram platform, @sherriesavorsthecity, where she highlights the city’s diverse dining scene and hidden gems.

She grew up in the Philippines, and at 19 years old, moved to New York City to go to culinary school. She was succeeding as a pastry chef and decided to start an Instagram account 12 years ago, just posting pictures of her pastries. Her Instagram really took off with reels and posting new restaurants. She especially likes featuring Filipino spots and introducing Chicago to new kinds of foods.

Dr. Tsai

Judy Hsu interviewed Stephanie Tsai. Dr. Tsai is an oncologist and associate professor at Loyola University Medical Center. She serves as the unit medical director of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and specializes in bone marrow transplants, hematology disorders and cellular therapies. Dr. Tsai focuses on advancing cancer treatment, improving patient outcomes and addressing disparities in cancer care, particularly among underserved populations such as Asian American communities. Both of her parents were born and raised in Taiwan and are physicians.

Justice Tailor

Ravi Baichwal interviewed Justice Sanjay Tailor. Born in Maryland to immigrant parents and raised in New Jersey and Delaware, he originally worked in scientific research before pursuing law. After earning his law degree from Loyola University Chicago, he worked as a private attorney, corporate counsel and assistant state’s attorney.

He became a judge in 2003 and served for over two decades in the Cook County courts and Illinois Appellate Court. In 2026, he was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court, becoming the first Asian American justice in the court’s history. He is also known for his work in legal education and his commitment to improving access to justice.

Linda Yu

Once a young girl from China, Linda Yu, became one of Chicago’s first Asian American journalists, breaking ground in an industry where few looked like her. She became one of the city’s most trusted voices.

Hsu sat down with Yu at ABC7 Chicago’s station on State Street to reflect on the legacy she built and the barriers she refused to accept.

“Our Chicago: Breaking Barriers” airs on ABC7 at 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 p.m. Sunday.

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