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Two Months On: Aroma Park in Kankakee County Rebuilds After Deadly Tornado Devastation

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In Kankakee County, Illinois, the impact of a deadly tornado is still visible two months after the disaster struck. The community of Aroma Park bears the scars of the storm, which claimed one life and left a path of widespread destruction.

In the aftermath of the tornado, the town is grappling with the extensive damage. Many residents remain displaced, anxiously awaiting the chance to rebuild their homes. Some are considering leaving the area permanently, frustrated by delays from contractors and the slow response of insurance companies.

Strewn across the debris-strewn properties are remnants of everyday life—mattresses, toys, and other personal belongings—marking the spots where homes once stood. The scene serves as a stark reminder of the storm’s fury.

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Aroma Park was one of several communities devastated by the EF-3 tornado back in March. The storm also wreaked havoc in Lake Village, Indiana, where it claimed two more lives, echoing the tragedy experienced in Kankakee County.

It was one of the towns ravaged by an EF-3 tornado in March, killing one person, while similar damage was seen in Lake Village, Indiana, where two others died.

“It’s unbelievable just the devastation,” Aroma Park resident Roger Forbes said.

Forbes has lived in Aroma Park for more than 40 years. He feels like one of the lucky ones, as much of his home is still intact, but his roof still needs major repairs. Like many of his neighbors, he’s still waiting for a visit from his contractors.

“It’s goin pretty well, but they’re all so busy, the insurance companies, the people doing the work,” Forbes said.

Just a few houses down, other homeowners were not as fortunate, with roofs still collapsed and debris scattered everywhere.

Forbes says a handful of his neighbors have decided to just move elsewhere.

“Couple of my friends down the street there they lost everything, everything personal, nothing left,” Forbes said. “Just unbelievable.”

READ MORE | 911 calls released from night of deadly EF3 tornado in Kankakee County; residents still recovering

Other homeowners are making significant progress, like Chuck Mathis, who has already replaced his roof and some other parts of the home. He has a hefty cost, already surpassing $45,000, with more work still needed.

“I just feel darn lucky I’m still alive, because that was nasty,” Mathis said. “I’ve been through some rough things in my life, but that was enough to scare me.”

Aroma Park Mayor Brian Stump says they did not meet the threshold for federal or state funding. He says it’s a day-by-day effort from the whole community, trying to get back to normalcy.

“It’s been amazing, from day one it’s neighbors helping neighbors,” Stump said. “We’ve had people come from all over the place, not just the county, but the whole state.”

Some of the homeowners say it still could take months before contractors visit their homes, and again, others are just deciding to not come back, but all of them are just relying on each other to continue moving forward.

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Clay High School Incident: Student Arrested for Making Threats of Violence, Authorities Confirm

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Authorities have reported receiving alerts through the Fortify FL app following a concerning conversation at Clay High School, where a student advised a peer against attending school the next day.

In Green Cove Springs, Florida, law enforcement officials have taken a Clay High School student into custody after he allegedly issued threats against other students, as confirmed by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.

The situation came to light on Tuesday when a tip through the FortifyFL app highlighted “disturbing” communications.

The sheriff’s office revealed that a 17-year-old student had sent a message to a classmate, suggesting they avoid school due to his expressed “need to kill.”



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Authorities located and interviewed the student before arresting him on charges of making a written or electronic threat to kill.

“The Clay County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats involving our schools seriously and will continue working closely with Clay County District Schools to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff,” the agency said in a statement.

Out of an abundance of caution, Clay High saw an increased police presence throughout the day on Wednesday.

“Clay County District Schools maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding threats and students who make them will be disciplined according to the student code of conduct,” Principal Jen Halter told students. “I want to extend a sincere thank you to the community member who brought this to our attention. By ‘seeing something and saying something,’ you allowed us to respond immediately.”

Clay County School District issued the following statement to First Coast News:

“Clay County District Schools is aware of the recent arrest made by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office involving a student from Clay High School. The safety and security of our students and staff remain our absolute highest priority.

“The district and school administration worked in close coordination with the Sheriff’s Office throughout the investigation. We want to reassure our families that the individual in question is not on campus. Any student who makes a threat of violence, whether verbal, written, or on social media, will face significant disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, in addition to any legal charges pursued by law enforcement.

“We encourage our OneClay community to remain vigilant—if you see something, say something. We are grateful for the swift action of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, our school administration, and our Safety and Security Department in resolving this matter.

Due to federal student privacy laws (FERPA), the district cannot provide further specifics regarding the student involved or their disciplinary status.”

Rubio Seeks China’s Support in Urging Iran to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

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In a bid to address growing tensions in the Persian Gulf, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed on Tuesday his intent to engage China in efforts to persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio’s strategy involves rallying international support, particularly from China, to pressure Iran through diplomatic channels.

During an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” set to air Wednesday night, Rubio stated, “We’ve presented our case to the Chinese, and I hope it resonates. They’ll have an opportunity to act at the United Nations later this week, where a resolution is on the table to condemn Iran’s actions concerning the strait.”

Rubio outlined three key arguments to China for taking a more proactive stance. “Firstly,” he noted, “Chinese ships are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf. The challenge of selectively permitting ship passage is more complex than it appears.”

Rubio’s second point was the “instability” in the Persian Gulf “threatens to destabilize Asia more than any other part of the world because it’s heavily reliant on the straits for energy.”

“And the third reason,” the secretary of state added, “is because China’s economy is export-driven, meaning their economy is fueled not by what they consume domestically, but by what they make and sell to other countries.”

“Well, of all the countries of the world, economies are melting down because of this crisis in the straits. They’re going to be buying less Chinese product and the Chinese exports are going to drop precipitously,” he warned.

“So it’s in their interest to resolve this,” Rubio said. “We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they’re doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf.”

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Jennifer Lopez Sparks Buzz with ‘Great Chemistry’ alongside Brett Goldstein at ‘Office Romance’ Red Carpet Event


On Wednesday night, Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein showcased their undeniable connection.

The stars of “Office Romance” cozied up on the red carpet at the 2026 Netflix Upfront event, held at Sunset Pier 94 Studios in New York City.

Lopez, now 56, looked radiant in a blush pink midi dress, while Goldstein, 45, was stylish in a light gray blazer paired with a gray polo and white trousers.

Speaking to People magazine, Lopez enthused about their dynamic, saying, “Our chemistry was evident from the start,” alluding to their forthcoming Netflix romantic comedy, set for release on June 5. “It only deepened as we worked on the film together.”

She added, “I anticipated a more rugged persona, but instead, you find someone kind, gentle, incredibly smart, and utterly charming. It was quite the revelation.”

Lopez also admitted that she had been a “huge fan” of Goldstein’s before they even started working together, as she watched him play Roy Kent in Apple TV show “Ted Lasso.”

“I thought he was going to be more like the character, but he was so soft-spoken and sweet and totally different.” 

In the upcoming film, Lopez plays a CEO named Jackie Cruz who falls in love with her new hire, Daniel Blanchflower, played by Goldstein.

The comedian — who co-wrote the the film with Joe Kelly — told the outlet that he always had the “On The Floor” songstress in mind to play the role of Jackie.

“We started asking ourselves who the best rom-com star is, and without hesitation, we both said J.Lo,” he recalled. “It’s easy to write a rom-com when you have J.Lo in mind. She’s the best at this stuff. We just wanted to write something funny and smart enough to be worthy of her saying yes.”

When the cast of “Office Romance” was revealed in September 2024, fans were quick to point out that Goldstein has had a longtime crush on Lopez.

One social media user posted a clip via X of Goldstein gushing over the actress’ appearance in “The Hustlers” in a July 2018 episode of his “Films to Be Buried With” podcast.

He went on to express jealousy toward one of her female co-stars during a scene when Lopez wore a fur coat while hugging her.

“I’ve never wanted to be cuddled more,” Goldstein said. “That is one of the best cuddles. … give me one of your special cuddles.”

Another X user resurfaced an Instagram Story slide showing the Emmy winner thirsting over Lopez with heart-eyes and mind blown emojis.

Lopez, notably, was newly single when she began filming with Goldstein as she filed for divorce from husband Ben Affleck in August of that year.

She has not not been in a public relationship since.

As for Goldstein, his only public romance was with British comedian Beth Rylance in 2021.

Concerns Arise for Sen. McConnell, 84, Amid Trump’s Allegations of Staff Manipulation

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During a Capitol Hill hearing on Tuesday, former Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, aged 84, experienced a concerning moment when he suddenly paused, sparking worries about his well-being and drawing criticism from former President Donald Trump directed at McConnell’s staff.

McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky who is not running for reelection this year, attempted to conclude a session with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth before several senators had the opportunity to begin their questioning.

Robert Karem, a staffer from the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee, interrupted McConnell to point out that Democratic Senators Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, along with Louisiana Republican John Kennedy, still had inquiries. The session continued for another 30 minutes following Karem’s intervention.

Interestingly, Trump, who has had his share of disagreements with McConnell, unexpectedly defended him while criticizing Karem in a post on X.

“The person who approached Mitch McConnell today, when Mitch mistakenly thought the hearing was concluded and whispered in his ear to introduce additional people, all Democrats, thus making Mitch appear out of touch, should be fired immediately!” Trump expressed on Truth Social.

‘This was a case where Mitch wasn’t confused, he just didn’t understand why he was being asked to do something when it was too late, and people were wrapping up to leave — They wanted to go home,’ Trump added.

‘His name is Robert Karem, he is a Never Trumper, and was grandstanding — trying to show how ‘important’ he was,’ the president noted on X, adding that Karem had ‘tremendous’ support from Democrats. 

Trump also accused Karem of being the reason McConnell has not backed the Save America Act, a piece of legislation focusing on voter ID, before concluding his Truth Social post with a call to action, ‘Fire The Bum!’

Senator Mitch McConnell questions Pete Hegseth on Capitol Hill

Senator Mitch McConnell questions Pete Hegseth on Capitol Hill 

US President Donald Trump during a law enforcement leaders dinner, celebrating the start of National Police Week, in the Rose Garden at The White House in Washington DC, on Monday, May 11, 2026

US President Donald Trump during a law enforcement leaders dinner, celebrating the start of National Police Week, in the Rose Garden at The White House in Washington DC, on Monday, May 11, 2026

McConnell's health has been a growing source of concern on Capitol Hill in recent years

McConnell’s health has been a growing source of concern on Capitol Hill in recent years 

Karem has worked for McConnell at various points in his career, and served in Trump’s first administration as both Acting Under Secretary and Assistant Secretary in the Department of Defense, per Legistorm. 

In 2015 and 2016, he was also a Foreign Policy Adviser to Jeb Bush, working on both his exploratory committee and presidential campaign.

McConnell’s health has been a source of growing concern in recent years. 

A fall last February left him reliant on a wheelchair and an aide to navigate the Capitol hallways, and he suffered a further fall in December 2024, spraining his wrist. 

He has also endured several on-camera ‘freezing’ episodes, most notably in August 2023, when he stood motionless for 30 seconds after being asked whether he would seek re-election in Kentucky, just weeks after abruptly halting mid-sentence at a press conference. 

The then-81-year-old gave no response when pressed on his political future. 

He has since announced he will not run for re-election.

The longest-serving GOP Senate leader, McConnell first entered the Senate in 1985. He has long drawn the ire of Donald Trump and his MAGA supporters following a years-long feud. 

His wife, Elaine Chao, served as Secretary of Transportation for most of Trump’s first term, but resigned in the wake of the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.

In 2024, McConnell announced he would step down as Republican leader, ending an era that stretched back to 2007, clearing the way for John Thune to take the helm.

His retirement from the Senate has opened up his Kentucky seat, with several Republicans vying in the primary to succeed him next Tuesday, May 19.

Texas Attorney General Paxton Urges Dallas Sheriff to Enter ICE Agreement Amid Legal Tensions Over Approaching Deadline

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On Wednesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a stern warning to Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown, urging compliance with a newly enacted state law that mandates collaboration with federal immigration authorities. Paxton indicated potential legal action if Sheriff Brown fails to adhere to the requirements.

Paxton’s announcement came alongside an investigation into what he termed “sanctuary policies” in Dallas County. In a formal communication, he directed Sheriff Brown to establish a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which would authorize local deputies to perform certain federal immigration duties.

This directive is linked to Senate Bill 8, which came into effect on January 1, 2026. The bill mandates that sheriffs in counties with operational jails must seek agreements with ICE to enhance immigration enforcement cooperation. These 287(g) agreements empower local law enforcement officers to execute specific immigration enforcement tasks, such as questioning detainees about their immigration status and serving administrative warrants.

“The residents of Dallas County should not face the consequences of the Sheriff’s refusal to collaborate with ICE in removing violent illegal immigrants from our communities,” Paxton declared. He assured that his office would take necessary steps to enforce compliance with the state law.

Ken Paxton speaking at a campaign event at The Angry Elephant in Magnolia, Texas

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was photographed speaking at a campaign event held at The Angry Elephant in Magnolia, Texas, on February 19, 2026. The event coincided with the start of early voting, amidst a closely contested race between Paxton and Senator John Cornyn. (Photo by Mark Felix/Bloomberg)

In the letter, Paxton accused Brown of publicly rejecting the requirement after the law passed, citing her October 2025 statement that “no additional efforts” would be made to secure such an agreement. He said her office has not reported any attempt to comply, despite a state requirement that sheriffs show proof they have tried to enter into an agreement.

Paxton warned that failure to act could expose Brown to legal consequences and said his office has authority to bring action against sheriffs who do not comply with the statute. He has demanded that Brown report efforts to secure an agreement before June 1.

He also pointed to other large Texas counties — including El Paso, Bexar, and Harris — that have either finalized agreements with ICE or are negotiating them.

Brown pushed back on Paxton’s claims, writing in a letter acquired by FOX 4 Dallas that his timeline is incorrect and that the Legislature set a compliance deadline of Dec. 1, 2026, not June 1.

ICE personnel escort a male detainee in hand restraints up stairs to board a deportation plane

ICE personnel escort a male detainee in hand restraints to board a charter flight to China during a large-scale removal operation organized by ICE ERO Dallas on June 3, 2025. (ERO Dallas)

She also defended her department’s current practices, saying Dallas County already works with federal immigration authorities.

“Dallas County currently maintains an active working relationship with ICE and participates in operational coordination substantially similar to the jail-enforcement model contemplated by Chapter 753,” Brown said in a statement. She added that her earlier remarks about making “no additional efforts” were taken out of context and reflected her view that existing cooperation already meets the law’s public safety goals.

The dispute sets up a potential legal clash between the state’s top law enforcement official and one of Texas’ largest county sheriff’s offices over how far local agencies must go in assisting federal immigration enforcement.

Revitalize Your Balance: Top 5 Daily Exercises for Seniors That Outperform Resistance Bands

Feeling a bit wobbly after turning 60? These five exercises can help you enhance your balance and stability.

Maintaining balance involves more than just steady feet. It requires coordination among your ankles, hips, core, shoulders, and even your eyes to keep you upright and stable. As you age, particularly after 60, you might notice that your balance becomes less consistent. This often happens as muscle strength diminishes or due to fewer opportunities to practice shifting your weight in various positions.

While resistance bands are excellent for building strength, achieving better balance necessitates practicing movements using your own body weight. This involves standing positions, single-leg supports, full-body stabilization, and fluid transitions between stances. Exercises such as lunges, step-ups, planks, and side planks are effective because they challenge your balance from the ground up, requiring your body to maintain coordination as you move.

I’ve witnessed this process with many clients. Those who experience faster improvements in their balance often engage multiple aspects simultaneously. They work on strengthening their lower bodies, master single-leg control, and learn to maintain a steady posture even when their limbs are in motion. In real life, balance isn’t about holding a perfect position; hence, your training should reflect that dynamic nature as well.

I’ve seen this play out often with clients. The people who improve balance faster usually train more than one piece at a time. They build lower-body strength, practice single-leg control, and learn to maintain steady posture when their arms or legs move. Real-life balance rarely happens in one clean, perfect position, so your training shouldn’t stay there either.

The five exercises below cover different types of stability. Walking lunges and step-ups build balance while you move. Single-leg holds strengthen your foot, ankle, and hip control. Plank shoulder taps challenge your core as your upper body moves. Side plank holds strengthen the side-body muscles that help keep you steady when your weight shifts.

Walking Lunges

Walking lunges train your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core while your body works to stay balanced through each step. Every rep asks your front leg to control the landing and your midsection to keep your torso tall. This builds dynamic balance, which matters every time you walk, climb stairs, or recover your position after a misstep. Compared with band exercises, walking lunges give you a more realistic challenge because your body has to move and reset with every stride.

Muscles Trained: Glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, core

How to Do It:

  1. Stand tall with your feet together.
  2. Step forward with one leg into a lunge.
  3. Lower your back knee toward the floor with control.
  4. Push through your front foot to step forward.
  5. Repeat on the opposite leg.
  6. Continue alternating sides with steady control.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps per leg. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.

Best Variations: Short-step walking lunges, reverse lunges, assisted walking lunges

Form Tip: Keep your torso tall and place each foot with control before lowering.

Single-Leg Balance

Single-leg balance trains your feet, ankles, calves, hips, and core to work together while you hold position. Standing on one leg forces your body to make constant small adjustments, which is exactly what keeps you steady during everyday movement. This exercise builds the foundation for better balance because your stance leg has to support you without relying on momentum or outside help. It carries over to walking, stepping off curbs, turning, and catching yourself when your weight shifts.

Muscles Trained: Foot stabilizers, calves, glutes, hip stabilizers, core

How to Do It:

  1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
  2. Shift your weight onto one foot.
  3. Lift your opposite foot a few inches off the floor.
  4. Brace your core and keep your hips level.
  5. Hold the position without leaning.
  6. Switch sides after each hold.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 rounds of 20 to 30 seconds per leg. Rest for 30 seconds between rounds.

Best Variations: Eyes-closed holds, knee-lift holds, light fingertip support

Form Tip: Keep your weight centered over your standing foot.

Plank With Shoulder Taps

Plank shoulder taps train your core and shoulders while your body fights rotation. Each tap forces your midsection to brace harder so your hips don’t rock side to side. This builds trunk control, which matters for full-body balance because your core connects your upper and lower body. The payoff carries into bracing during daily tasks, catching yourself with your hands, and staying steady when one side of your body moves.

Muscles Trained: Core, shoulders, chest, triceps, glutes

How to Do It:

  1. Start in a high plank position with your hands under your shoulders.
  2. Set your feet slightly wider than hip-width.
  3. Brace your core and squeeze your glutes.
  4. Tap one hand to your opposite shoulder.
  5. Place your hand back on the floor with control.
  6. Alternate sides while keeping your hips steady.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 8 to 12 taps per side. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.

Best Variations: Incline shoulder taps, slower shoulder taps, wider-stance shoulder taps

Form Tip: Move your hand slowly and keep your hips quiet.

Alternating Step-Ups

Alternating step-ups train your legs while building the control needed to move from one level to another. Each rep asks your lead leg to produce force while your hips and core keep your body aligned. This builds balance in a way bands can’t fully match because you’re stepping, loading one leg, and controlling your bodyweight at the same time. It carries over directly to stairs, curbs, trail walks, and any moment where you need to step up with confidence.

Muscles Trained: Quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, calves, core

How to Do It:

  1. Stand facing a sturdy step or low box.
  2. Place one foot fully on the step.
  3. Press through your lead foot to stand tall.
  4. Step back down with control.
  5. Repeat with your opposite leg.
  6. Continue alternating sides.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps per leg. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.

Best Variations: Lower step-ups, assisted step-ups, slow-lowering step-ups

Form Tip: Drive through your whole foot and avoid pushing off too much from the back leg.

Side Plank Holds

Side plank holds train your obliques, hips, shoulders, and glutes while your body resists dropping or twisting. The muscles along your side help you stay steady when your weight shifts, making them a major part of full-body balance. This exercise strengthens lateral stability, an area many routines miss because most exercises move forward and back. Stronger side-body control helps with turning, carrying items on one side, walking on uneven ground, and staying upright when balance gets challenged.

Muscles Trained: Obliques, core, shoulders, glutes, outer hips

How to Do It:

  1. Lie on your side with your forearm under your shoulder.
  2. Stack your feet or stagger them for support.
  3. Brace your core and lift your hips off the floor.
  4. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
  5. Hold the position while breathing steadily.
  6. Lower with control, then switch sides.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 20 to 30 seconds per side. Rest for 30 seconds between each set.

Best Variations: Bent-knee side plank, staggered-feet side plank, side plank with top-leg lift

Form Tip: Press your forearm into the floor and keep your hips lifted.

How to Build Better Full-Body Balance After 60

woman in fitness class doing step-ups
Shutterstock

Better balance comes from repeated practice in positions that ask your body to stabilize. These exercises work because they train more than one muscle group at a time without making the routine complicated. Your legs build strength, your hips help control your position, and your core keeps everything connected. That gives you a stronger balance foundation than band work alone.

  • Train balance while standing: Walking lunges, single-leg holds, and step-ups teach your body to control weight shifts while you’re on your feet. That’s where balance matters most during daily life.
  • Strengthen your hips and core together: Your hips help control your legs while your core keeps your trunk steady. When those areas work well together, your body adjusts faster when balance gets challenged.
  • Move slowly enough to stay in control: Speed can hide weak spots. Slower reps give your body time to organize each position and make cleaner corrections.
  • Use support when needed: A wall, chair, or railing can help you build confidence without removing the challenge. Light support works best because your body still has to stabilize.
  • Practice a few minutes daily: Balance improves through frequent exposure. Short daily sessions build confidence without wearing you down.

Stay consistent and keep your reps clean. You’ll feel the difference when walking, stepping, turning, and moving through your day with more confidence.

References

  1. Wang, Jixian et al. “Age-Related Dysfunction in Balance: A Comprehensive Review of Causes, Consequences, and Interventions.” Aging and disease vol. 16,2 714-737. 24 Jan. 2024, doi:10.14336/AD.2024.0124-1
  2. Zhong, Yuanji et al. “Effects of core training on balance performance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Frontiers in public health vol. 13 1661460. 9 Oct. 2025, doi:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1661460

Derek Hough Reveals Exciting New Pro Set to Transform ‘DWTS’ Season 35

Derek Hough shared with Us Weekly some exclusive details about how the latest addition to Dancing With the Stars will bring fresh excitement to the upcoming season.

“I believe it will be a delightful surprise for the show’s fans,” revealed the 40-year-old DWTS judge to Us Weekly during the Disney upfronts on Tuesday, May 12. “It will offer a unique perspective on what it truly takes to be a professional dancer and perform with celebrities in various creative ways.”

Just ahead of the launch of DWTS’s 35th season, viewers can look forward to the spinoff series, Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, airing on ABC. This show will spotlight 12 dancers vying for the coveted position of the newest DWTS professional. The reigning mirrorball winner, Robert Irwin, will take on hosting duties, while Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, will serve as judges.

Hough, who has maintained a long-standing friendship with the Ballas family, expressed his enthusiasm, noting that viewers will have an opportunity to become acquainted with Shirley.

Robert-Irwin-DWTS-Next-Pro-181361_13758_v2

The Dancing With the Stars stage is set to expand with the introduction of an innovative spinoff series. ABC announced on Wednesday, April 22, that Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro will premiere this summer, searching for the next standout professional dancer for the main show. “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro showcases 12 outstanding and emerging dancers…”

“Shirley Ballas is an absolute icon in the ballroom, in [the] Latin [ballroom] world, she is the best,” he gushed. “And so she’s also like my mom.”

Shirley, 65, is known in the ballroom community as the “Queen of Latin” and currently serves as the head judge on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in England. Hough added that he was also once trained by Shirley.

“I’m excited for America to meet her,” he said. “She’s a riot.”

Derek Hough Teases How New 'Dancing With the Stars' Pro Will Shake Up Season 35
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Last month, Disney dropped the trailer for Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro.

“For the first time in Dancing with the Stars history, the greatest dancers will compete for a spot as the next pro,” Irwin, 22, said in a trailer. “This summer, let the fiercest dance battle begin.”

While fans await for both DWTS shows, three contestants have been announced for season 35. Summer House’s Ciara Miller and Love Island’s Maura Higgins were the first batch of stars announced. Earlier this week, Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson was added to the mix.

DWTS Exec Teases Season 35 Casting After Ciara and Maura Reveals

Dancing With the Stars season 35 may be a few months away, but executives are working on “every single part of it.” “We’re deep into it,” executive producer and casting head Deena Katz told The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday, April 26. “We’re already deep into casting, we’re talking themes — we’re talking everything.” Earlier this […]

Hough gushed to Us that the season 35 cast is “fantastic” so far and there would be “more to come.”

“I have some connections here and with some of these people,” he teased. “It’s gonna be a good cast, [a] really good cast.”

The pro dancers for season 35 have yet to be announced. However, Miller is already lobbying for a particular partner.

“I’ve been campaigning for Val [Chmerkovskiy],” Miller told E! News during the Met Gala livestream in May. “I don’t know if they hear me, but yeah, sending out some emails, putting my word in. We’ll see where everyone wants to place me.”

Star-Studded Spotlight: Jennifer Lopez and Millie Bobby Brown Lead All-Star Lineup in Latest Entertainment News

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The 2026 Netflix Upfront event turned into a dazzling spectacle as a constellation of stars, including the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Millie Bobby Brown, graced the red carpet. This annual gala served as a grand celebration of Netflix’s upcoming projects, promising an exciting lineup for viewers worldwide. Dive into the gallery below to explore some of the most memorable red carpet appearances and celebrity arrivals.

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Jennifer Lopez attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Jennifer Lopez Getty Images

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Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein were seen attending the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein Nancy Rivera / BACKGRID

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Millie Bobby Brown attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Millie Bobby Brown Getty Images

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Florence Pugh attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Florence Pugh Getty Images

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Tina Fey attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Tina Fey Getty Images

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Alex Cooper attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Alex Cooper Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

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Brittany Snow attends the Netflix upfront
Brittany Snow Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

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Eric André attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Eric André Getty Images

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Malin Akerman attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Malin Akerman Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

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Michelle Buteau attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Michelle Buteau WireImage

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Madison Bailey attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Madison Bailey WireImage

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Elle Duncan attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Elle Duncan WireImage

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Leanne Morgan attends the 2026 Netflix Upfront
Leanne Morgan Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Anthony Albanese Rejects Gas Export Tax Increase: Separating Facts from Political Slogans

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Anthony Albanese has stood by the government’s choice to maintain the current tax structure on Australia’s gas exports, dismissing recent demands from advocacy groups for a 25 percent tax rate as merely a “slogan.”

In the latest federal budget, there was no mention of increasing taxes on gas exports, even though there has been a persistent push to do so, alongside appeals to reduce the fuel tax credit scheme.

Before the budget announcement, the government decided against altering gas tax policies. It is believed that LNG exports played a crucial role in negotiations with trading partners, aimed at securing liquid fuel supplies.

Australian unions have proposed implementing a 25 percent tax on gas exports, arguing it could have generated $17.1 billion during the 2023-24 financial year.

Nevertheless, the Labor government plans to introduce an east coast gas reserve, ensuring a portion of the gas is reserved for domestic use.

Albanese was asked by SBS News whether it was likely Labor would revisit the proposal if the war ends and the pressure on fuel supplies subsides. He suggested such calls did not have substance.

“That’s a slogan, with respect,” he replied.

“What is it that you refer to? Because no one seems to know.”

Albanese said Australia had the petroleum resources rent tax — the mechanism for taxing profits earned on fuel extraction.

“People speak as if there isn’t one. There’s company tax. There’s the resources tax that goes to state as well,” he said.

“The PRRT was designed to ramp up over time as the cost of investment to create these projects is paid down.”

The prime minister said the government was prioritising the immediate supply issues of fuel.

“The issue that we are concerned about at the moment, of course … is supply of fuel into our economy.”

Income from the petroleum resource rent tax has been revised down by $100 million to $1.4 billion for the current financial year, compared to forecasts in December’s mid-year budget update.

This is despite oil and LNG prices surging since the start of the Middle East conflict.

PRRT revenue is expected to climb to $1.9 billion in 2026-27, primarily due to the higher oil price, before falling each subsequent year until it hits $1.25 billion in 2029-30 as the oil price stabilises.

By contrast, the beer excise is forecast to bring in $3.1 billion in 2029-30.

A social media post by independent Senator David Pocock highlighting the disparity between the two revenue streams led to a groundswell of support ahead of the budget for changes to the way gas exports are taxed.

Despite a Senate inquiry finding the PRRT was ineffective, Labor decided not to touch the tax, citing concerns that it could anger key fuel suppliers who rely on Australian gas.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has also pointed to changes made during Labor’s previous term of government that were designed to make gas companies pay the tax earlier in the life of projects.

— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.


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