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The View Sparks Debate After Billy Bob Thornton’s Comments on Celebrity Politics

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The View Sparks Debate After Billy Bob Thornton’s Comments on Celebrity Politics

During a discussion on “The View,” the hosts took aim at actor Billy Bob Thornton after he criticized celebrities who use their fame to express political opinions. Alyssa Farah Griffin recalled a previous instance when the show advised actor George Clooney to refrain from political commentary.

Thornton, in a recent appearance on the “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” podcast, explained his reluctance to leverage his Hollywood status for political advocacy. Citing a well-known Ricky Gervais quip, he expressed a preference for avoiding political speeches during award shows, essentially saying, “Collect your award and move on.”

The actor admitted, “I’m not well-versed in politics. My beliefs are personal, and I don’t feel the need to impose them on others since I’m no expert.”

Whoopi Goldberg appeared unfazed by Thornton’s remarks, but Joy Behar reacted with disdain, commenting, “It’s astonishing to boast about one’s lack of awareness.”

Sunny Hostin echoed Behar’s sentiments, emphasizing, “We are at a critical juncture in our nation, and democracy demands active participation.”

“I think when you have a platform, that means I have an outsized voice and when you have a platform, I think that you have a responsibility to speak up about what’s going on in this country and my view silence is complicity. We need every single ally to speak out.”

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin responded by noting, “A, Billy Bob Thornton is one of my favorite actors. I’m never going to say a bad word about him, starting with that. But B, a lot of this table criticized George Clooney when he wrote his Biden op-ed.”

“That is a celebrity using his voice, saying what he believes, it can’t just be when they agree with your position,” Griffin added.

“He can say it and I can criticize it, that’s called free speech,” Behar retorted.

Griffin went on to criticize what she called “slacktivism,” where celebrities feel righteous for sending out political statements without getting meaningfully involved in the actual work of politics themselves.

“I don’t think we should bully people,” she added, “saying, ‘You have to speak out.’”

Co-host Sara Haines agreed, arguing that celebrities making bombastic political statements are just preaching to the choir of people who already agree with them and are enraging those who disagree with them.

Revitalize Your Strength Post-60: 5 Bed Exercises Outperforming Gym Machines!

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Revitalize Your Strength Post-60: 5 Bed Exercises Outperforming Gym Machines!

For those over 60 who are eager to rebuild their strength, the journey doesn’t necessarily require an expensive gym membership. Instead, you can start right where you wake up, making use of a simple yet effective set of exercises that can be done in the comfort of your own bed. By integrating these movements into your morning routine, you’re not only boosting your physical health but also enhancing your overall well-being. And the good news? No need to even step out of bed to get started. We consulted an expert who revealed five essential exercises that can help you regain full-body strength faster than relying on gym machines.

So, why is your bed a surprisingly effective fitness ally?

“Performing exercises on your bed can activate nearly all muscle groups because your bed provides a slightly unstable surface,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, a highly experienced Doctor of Physical Therapy and Exercise Physiologist with over two decades in sports and orthopedics at US Physical Therapy. “While it might not wobble as much as a balance board or a foam pad, it’s certainly soft and pliant—ideally! This slight instability makes these exercises a tad more challenging compared to those done on the floor, without the hassle of getting down and back up. Your own body weight serves as an excellent resistance tool, and as you progress, you could transition these bed-based exercises onto a yoga mat on the floor for added difficulty.”

What makes the bed a surprisingly useful fitness tool?

“Bed-based exercises can engage nearly all muscle groups, because, surprise—your bed is actually a slightly unstable surface,” explains Dr. Milica McDowell, Doctor of Physical Therapy, AVP of Education, Author, Exercise Physiologist at US Physical Therapy with more than 20 years of experience in sports/orthopedics. “Not as wobbly as a balance board or a foam pad, but it’s definitely soft and not stiff (hopefully!). This makes these exercises actually a little more challenging to perform on your bed rather than on the floor, minus the ‘getting down onto the floor and getting back up’ part, of course. So with that, your body weight is a great tool for resistance exercises, and over time you could look to progress these bed-based exercises to a yoga mat on the floor.”

Dr. McDowell is also a personal trainer, exercise physiologist, team and endurance sport coach, gym owner, 13-time Ironman finisher, 50K finisher, and CrossFit level 1 certified coach. Below, she shares five moves to add to your morning routine.

The Bridge

“The bridge is the anchor of this whole routine. It’s a glute and hip extensor exercise, and it helps you to reconnect with your spine stabilizers and your core. This move primes the rest of the system and should be tackled first,” Dr. McDowell tells us.

  1. Lie flat on your back with bent knees and feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides with palms pressing into the mattress.
  2. Press through your heels to lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
  3. Squeeze your buttocks, holding at the top for 2 seconds.
  4. Lower your hips back to the start position.

Dead Bugs

“Dead bugs are a deep core exercise of choice because they help you control and produce rotation, and promote a stable spine without loading the spine itself,” Dr. McDowell points out.

  1. Lie flat on your back, arms extended toward the ceiling and knees lifted in a tabletop position.
  2. Press your back into the mattress and engage your core.
  3. Lower one arm and the opposite leg.
  4. Return to the start position.
  5. Repeat on the other side and continue to alternate.

Cobra

“Cobra is there for spine range of motion and extension, which most people over 60 are desperately short of,” Dr. McDowell says.

  1. Begin by lying face down on the mattress, legs extended behind you and the tops of your feet pressing into the ground.
  2. Keep your hands under your shoulders and elbows bent close to the sides of your body.
  3. Breathe in and gradually lift your chest off the surface—starting from the first rib under your collarbones—by pressing into your palms and activating your back muscles.
  4. Hold at the top, keeping your shoulders relaxed and gaze forward, before lowering with control.

Ankle Pumps

“Ankle pumps are deceptively simple as they activate the calf muscle pump, improve your circulation, and keep the ankle joint mobile, which is your first point of contact when you are walking,” Dr. McDowell notes.

  1. Lie flat on your back with your legs extended.
  2. Make sure your heels are comfortably resting and your legs are relaxed.
  3. Point your toes away from your body.
  4. Then, flex your feet back toward you, pulling your toes toward your shins.
  5. Continue to pump your ankles in a controlled fashion.

Trunk Rotations

“Try trunk rotations to round it out because rotation is the movement pattern many older adults lose first and need most for activities such as getting out of your car or reaching across a table,” Dr. McDowell explains.

  1. Lie flat on your back on the mattress with bent knees and feet flat.
  2. Extend your arms out to your sides to form a “T.”
  3. Activate your core and keep your shoulders relaxed.
  4. Slowly lower both knees to one side, making sure your shoulders remain pressed against the mattress.
  5. Activate your core as you return to the center.
  6. Lower your knees to the other side.

In-Depth Profile: Judge Elliott Levine’s Background, Age, and Family Insights |

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In-Depth Profile: Judge Elliott Levine’s Background, Age, and Family Insights |

Elliott Levine Biography – Elliott Levine Wiki

Elliott Levine serves as the judge for Branch 2 of the La Crosse County Circuit Court in Wisconsin, a role he assumed following his election in April 2017. This election filled the gap left by the retirement of Circuit Judge Michael Mulroy. Before ascending to the bench, Levine led the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office in the La Crosse area.

Judge Levine’s swearing-in ceremony was conducted by La Crosse County Circuit Judge Dale Pasell, who had originally hired Levine as a public defender back in 1990. Pasell not only played a pivotal role in Levine’s career but also publicly supported his judicial candidacy.

Speaking during the ceremony, held in a full Branch 2 courtroom, Pasell expressed confidence in Levine’s abilities. “Elliott possesses the intelligence, integrity, and dedication necessary to excel as a judge,” Pasell remarked to the La Crosse Tribune. “Beyond that, he genuinely cares about people and is driven to help them, not just as a campaign promise, but as part of his character.”

In his brief address, Levine expressed both honor and humility at his new role, extending gratitude to his family, friends, and colleagues for their unwavering support and encouragement.

“I hope to prove myself worthy of this responsibility, ensuring fairness to everyone who stands before us,” Levine stated. “I aim to give the community a real sense of commitment to the ongoing work established by my predecessors.”

Education

Born in Urbana, Illinois, Judge Levine graduated with a B.A. from Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1985. He received his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1990 and was admitted to the bar that same year.

Career Start

Judge Levine began his legal career as an assistant public defender for the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office. He served in the State Public Defender’s Office from 1990 until his election to the bench in 2017.

Birth

Judge Elliott M. Levine was born in 1973 in Urbana, Illinois, to Solomon and Elizabeth “Betty” Levine.

NBA Honors the Legacy of Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins with Heartfelt Tributes

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NBA Honors the Legacy of Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins with Heartfelt Tributes

Teammates are mourning the loss of two cherished NBA players, Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins, by expressing heartfelt tributes.

The Memphis Grizzlies have confirmed the unexpected death of Brandon Clarke at the age of 29. Although the cause of death remains unconfirmed, NBC4 in Los Angeles has reported that authorities are investigating the possibility of an overdose. Clarke, originally from Canada and a former star at Gonzaga University, was discovered in the San Fernando Valley after emergency responders were called to a medical incident shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday.

Jason Collins passed away on Tuesday following his battle with a brain tumor. At 47, Collins was known for being the first openly gay player in the NBA when he signed with the Nets in 2014, a year after publicly coming out as a free agent.

“This hurt,” shared Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant on Instagram, remembering his long-time teammate Clarke. “Love you broski. Gone way too soon.”

NBA icon and current Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “This one hurts.”

Kidd was a teammate of Collins with the New Jersey Nets before later coaching him in Brooklyn in 2014.

Brandon Clarke

Jason Collins

The NBA is in mourning after the tragic deaths of Brandon Clarke (L) and Jason Collins (R)

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant reacted to the passing of his long-time friend on Instagram

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant reacted to the passing of his long-time friend on Instagram

Jason Kidd played with Collins and later coached the 7ft center with the Brooklyn Nets

Jason Kidd played with Collins and later coached the 7ft center with the Brooklyn Nets 

Clarke, who passed away Monday, is pictured with his long-time teammate, Morant

Clarke, who passed away Monday, is pictured with his long-time teammate, Morant

Kidd is pictured coaching Collins in Brooklyn, where the center ended his career in 2014

Kidd is pictured coaching Collins in Brooklyn, where the center ended his career in 2014 

‘Jason Collins was a pioneer,’ Kidd continued. ‘He had courage like you’ve never seen. He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. 

‘Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed my brother. Rest in power.’

The NBA held a moment of silence for both players before Tuesday’s Western Conference semifinal matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs.

‘Brandon Clarke, a beloved member of the Memphis Grizzlies since 2019, whose leadership and passion earned him respect throughout the Memphis community and around the league, passed away at 29,’ the PA announcer in San Antonio told the crowd before the Spurs’ Game 5 win.

‘And 13-year NBA player and NBA Cares ambassador Jason Collins died after a long battle with brain cancer. 

‘He broke barriers that will positively impact the sports world for generations to come, and he’ll always be remembered for his bravery and kindness.’

But it was the voices of their teammates that carried the most weight on a tragic day across the NBA and basketball world. ‘Rip brother,’ Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. wrote on social medial. ‘You will be missed. Gone too soon.’ 

A moment of silence for Jason Collins before the Minnesota Timberwolves v San Antonio Spurs game

A moment of silence for Brandon Clarke before Game Five

The NBA held a moment of silence for both players before Tuesday’s Western Conference semifinal matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs

Killian Tillie, one of Clarke's teammates at Gonzaga, reacted to the news on Instagram

Killian Tillie, one of Clarke’s teammates at Gonzaga, reacted to the news on Instagram 

Kyle Anderson (right), a former teammate of Clarke's (center), also reacted online

Kyle Anderson (right), a former teammate of Clarke’s (center), also reacted online 

Clarke is seen alongside his mother, Whitney, and stepfather after graduating from Gonzaga

Clarke is seen alongside his mother, Whitney, and stepfather after graduating from Gonzaga 

The Grizzlies player is pictured during his childhood with his mother, Whitney Triplett

The Grizzlies player is pictured during his childhood with his mother, Whitney Triplett 

‘I’m so f***ing hurt man,’ Clarke’s former Grizzlies teammate Kyle Anderson wrote, adding ‘[I] wish I coulda been there for u.’

Current Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells made a cryptic reference to some of the obstacles Clarke faced in Memphis, where he suffered a number of serious injuries.

‘Everything [he] went through in the time I’ve been in Memphis he still came in with a smile on his face and was a light in the locker room, truly an inspiring person,’ Wells wrote. ‘Memphis won’t be the same without you.’

And it wasn’t just NBA teammates honoring Clarke. His former Gonzaga running mates Killian Tillie, Joel Ayayi and Matthew Lang also reacted on social media.

‘One of the greatest Zags and Grizzly, it was an honor to share the court with you,’ Tillie wrote.

Clarke’s death comes one month after he was arrested in Arkansas on charges including speeding and trafficking a controlled substance.

The Cross County Sheriff’s Department booked him into jail on April 1 for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit and trafficking a controlled substance.

Clarke, who was selected by Oklahoma City with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, died just four months before his 30th birthday. 

Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, passed away after a battle with a brain tumor

Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, passed away after a battle with a brain tumor

As was the case with Clarke, Collins’ death has been met with an outpouring of grief from the basketball world and beyond.

‘Jason was one of the strongest and kindest [people] I have ever meet,’ former NBA power forward and Collins’ Stanford teammate Mark Madsen wrote on X. ‘He was ferocious on the court and full of love and kindness off the court. He welcomed everyone no matter your background. He was the guy who brought fun and energy to life.’

The Nets, for whom Collins played eight productive seasons, issued their own heartfelt statement.  

‘We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins,’ read a team statement from the Nets. ‘Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003.

‘He was a constant in our locker room — selfless, tough, and deeply respected by teammates, coaches, and staff alike. 

‘Those who were around Jason every day knew him not just as a competitor, but as a genuinely kind, thoughtful person who brought people together. His impact extended far beyond the court, and his courage and authenticity helped move the game — and the world — forward.’

And it wasn’t just the NBA reacting to Collins’ passing. Another LGBTQ+ icon, tennis great Billie Jean King, also discussed her relationship with Collins, who worked with her foundation.

Billie Jean King and Collins worked together through her foundation

Billie Jean King and Collins worked together through her foundation 

‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, a founding advisory board member for the @BJK_Foundation, and our dear friend,’ she wrote on X.

‘Jason changed lives through his courage, authenticity, and commitment to helping others feel seen.

‘His legacy extends far beyond basketball. He helped move sports and society forward with strength. We share our heartfelt condolences with his loved ones and all who were impacted by his life and leadership.’

Although he remained closeted for much of his career, Collins revealed he was gay to Sports Illustrated in May of 2013 as he languished on the free-agent market.

The following season, Kidd recruited him to Brooklyn, where the retired point guard was coaching the newly relocated team.

On February 23, 2014, Collins signed a 10-day contract with the team and in doing so, became the league’s first openly gay player. He remained with the Nets for the rest of the season before retiring the following November.

Collins’ No 98 jersey became one of the league’s hottest items in 2014. He later revealed he chose the number to honor Matthew Shepard, the gay college student who was was beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie, Wyoming in 1998.

Although some accused the team of signing Collins to attract liberal fans in Brooklyn, the Nets’ front office insisted the move was a ‘basketball decision,’ and his teammates and coaches quickly agreed.

Collins' No 98 jersey became one of NBA's top sellers during the 2013-14 season

Collins’ No 98 jersey became one of NBA’s top sellers during the 2013-14 season 

He became the NBA's first openly gay player when he came out in 2013 in an open letter

He became the NBA’s first openly gay player when he came out in 2013 in an open letter

‘Toughness, rebounding the ball, being professional,’ Kidd said of Collins at the time. ‘He brings a lot to the table for us.’

He also became symbol for gay sports fans, many of whom felt under represented by the leagues they follow.

Jared Max, a gay New York-area sports radio personality, told The Wall Street Journal at the time the signing was a turning point in the industry.

‘There aren’t just cracks in the dam,’ Max said. ‘There are places where water is flowing right through.’

By the time Collins retired from basketball in 2014, he was in a vastly different place. Not only was he in a relationship with Brunson Green, whom he later marry, but Collins had taken on a new roll as an LGBTQ+ role model and supporter.

‘I’ll continue to encourage others to live an authentic life,’ he wrote in his retirement statement. ‘My hope is that everyone achieves that day when you step forward and reveal your truth on your own terms.’

Then Collins’ life took a tragic turn last year. As Collins revealed in a December essay for ESPN.com , he had been battling glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor often seen as a death sentence for patients.

He and Green first noticed his symptoms shortly after their wedding in May of 2025.

‘In May I married the love of my life, Brunson Green, at a ceremony in Austin, Texas, that couldn’t have been more perfect,’ he wrote. ‘In August, we were supposed to go to the US Open, just as every year, but when the car came to take us to the airport, I was nowhere near ready. And for the first time in decades, we missed the flight because I couldn’t stay focused to pack.

‘I had been having weird symptoms like this for a week or two, but unless something is really wrong, I’m going to push through. I’m an athlete.’

Collins is seen at his wedding to Brunson Green. In the background is Jason's twin, Jarron

Collins is seen at his wedding to Brunson Green. In the background is Jason’s twin, Jarron 

This prompted Collins to get a CT scan at UCLA, which led to the discovery of his cancer.

His life changed irreparably. As he wrote on ESPN.com, the first things to go were Collins’ short-term memory and mental clarity. And although prescription drugs would help to clear his brain fog, the cancer treatments were ultimately unsuccessful.

‘Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,’ NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

‘He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.

‘On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.’

Violent Clashes Erupt Outside Synagogue Amid Anti-Israel Protests at Major Real Estate Expo

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Violent Clashes Erupt Outside Synagogue Amid Anti-Israel Protests at Major Real Estate Expo

On Monday night, intense video footage captured a confrontation between supporters of Israel and anti-Israel demonstrators wearing keffiyehs at a real estate expo in Brooklyn. This incident mirrored a similar altercation that took place the previous week.

The video, recorded outside the Young Israel Synagogue, reveals a tumultuous scene on the sidewalk where both groups face off. Meanwhile, anti-Israel protesters fill the street, some carrying Palestinian and Hezbollah flags.

The New York Police Department reported that four individuals were detained as the situation escalated around 6:45 p.m. on Ocean Avenue.

In the video, a male supporter of Israel is seen confronting the crowd, many of whom are holding signs with anti-Israel slogans. The man eventually uses pepper spray towards the group.

WATCH: Violent anti-Israel demonstration erupts outside a synagogue in Brooklyn

The clash was instigated by the anti-Israel brigade, which was protesting a real estate expo, “The Great Israeli Real Estate Event,” showing off property for sale in Israel, which they say is in “stolen land” in the “occupied” Palestinian territory in the West Bank.

Protesters clash with NYPD

Anti-Israel agitators clash with the NYPD at a “Stop the Sale of Stolen Palestinian Land” protest against ‘Great Israel Real Estate’ event for Palestinian land sale at the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in New York City. (Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

According to the Jerusalem Post, the mob was organized by the Palestinian Assembly for Liberation Al-Awda of New York and New Jersey. The organization calls for the “de-colonization of Palestine.

Later video from the confrontation showed at least one anti-Israel agitator being arrested by NYPD officers after a scuffle that ended with the arrestee being thrown to the pavement.

The Jerusalem Post noted that anti-Israel crowds shouted slogans including, “Brick by brick, wall by wall, Zionism will fall,” and “Free Palestine.”

Pro-Palestinian protesters

Pro-Palestinian protesters gather at a “Stop the Sale of Stolen Palestinian Land” protest against “Great Israel Real Estate” event for Palestinian land sale at the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in New York City. (Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“We’re here today to send a message to the city and to send a message to the organizers that these kinds of events cannot and will not stand in New York City,” said Taher Dahleh, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth movement, according to Spectrum News 1.

A similar expo last week also drew protests.

Pro-Palestinian protestors trying to enter the Brooklyn Museum in New York City

Pro-Palestinian protestors try to enter the Brooklyn Museum amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in Brooklyn, New York City, on May 31, 2024. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

A recent “buffer zone” bill passed in New York City in March limits protests near places of worship. The “NYC Houses of Worship Law” passed in March and requires the NYPD to cordon off areas to protect worshippers at their discretion.

The law took effect in April, but the NYPD is expected to present a formal plan for enforcing it to Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city council in early June.

Neither Mamdani’s office nor the NYPD returned Tuesday morning comment requests.

Peter D’Abrosca is a reporter at Fox News Digital covering crime and campus extremism in higher education. 

Follow Peter on X at @pmd_reports. Send story tips to peter.dabrosca@fox.com.

Urgent Recall Alert: Eczema Cream Linked to Dangerous Staph Infections

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Urgent Recall Alert: Eczema Cream Linked to Dangerous Staph Infections

(NEXSTAR) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of a cream intended for eczema treatment due to contamination with Staphylococcus aureus. The recall involves a product made by a Wisconsin company.

The product in question is the Multi-symptom Treatment Cream & Skin Protectant Eczema Cream, marketed under the MG217 brand by Pharmacal, based in Jackson, Wisconsin. This cream, promoted as fast-acting and hypoallergenic, and labeled as “safe for children & babies,” was distributed both in stores and online across the United States.

Florida Mom Captures Intense Alligator Showdown on Her Porch During Mating Season

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Florida Mom Captures Intense Alligator Showdown on Her Porch During Mating Season

A dramatic scene unfolded on a quiet morning in Southwest Florida when two aggressive alligators turned a suburban front porch into an unexpected arena for their fierce battle. This unusual spectacle occurred just a few feet from where a mother’s baby lay sleeping inside the Ave Maria home, located roughly 36 miles from Naples.

Kayla Burress, the homeowner, was jolted awake by what she initially thought was a break-in attempt. To her astonishment, it wasn’t a human intruder causing the commotion outside but two large alligators locked in a violent struggle on her screened-in porch—a place her children often enjoy playing, as reported by WINK.

“I never imagined the gators would make their way onto my porch,” Burress expressed to the news outlet, still reeling from the morning’s events.

Seizing the moment, Burress captured footage of the two reptiles clashing with alarming ferocity. Their thrashing and biting left the porch in a state of chaos, with the screen enclosure torn apart and debris scattered across the scene.

The alligators’ fierce duel ended up causing significant damage, as they smashed through the porch’s screen, leaving behind a mess of blood, shredded mesh, and twisted metal—a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability in what was once a peaceful setting.

Burress filmed the two beasts as they traded vicious blows while ripping her porch to shreds.

During the fight, the gators slammed each other through the screen enclosure, leaving a trail of blood, shredded mesh and twisted metal behind.

“It definitely looked like they were fighting over territory or something,” the concerned mother said.

“It wasn’t like a mating ritual that I had seen, because there was blood, and it had some hind quarters, like in its jaws, through the door.”

Burress said her baby was sound asleep just feet away behind the wall as the two massive gators tore her porch apart — and that she feels lucky the nightmare didn’t take a turn for the worse.

“It was scary,” she told the outlet, adding that since the incident she has been warning her neighbors to keep a closer eye on what might be creeping on their property.

“I just warned everybody else in the neighborhood, like, watch your kids. Watch the dogs. Because it was, it was fast and they were powerful.”

Wildlife experts told WINK that while two gators brawling on a front porch may seem alarming, during mating season — which is in full swing right now — it is far from unheard of.

“Big males are chasing out younger males in competition, and younger males are looking for new habitats,” naturalist and environmental educator Rob Howell said.

Howell warned that anyone who spots aggressive alligator behavior should keep their distance and never attempt to intervene.

“They’re going to be on edge because they think their life is at stake — they’re going to do everything they can,” Howell said. “When you trap them, corner them, they’re going to show defensive behaviors and aggressive behaviors.”

The wildlife expert said that because alligators tend to be more territorial and aggressive during mating season, the public should maintain a safe distance from bodies of water in areas with large alligator populations.

Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, with a significant chunk of them lurking in Southwest Florida’s lakes, canals and wetlands, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Female alligators can weigh over 200 pounds and grow up to 9 feet, while males can stretch to 13 feet and weigh more than 500 pounds.

Since 1948, Florida has recorded between 450 and 500 documented alligator bites, with only around 30 proving fatal.

Florida’s worst year for gator attacks in the last three decades came in 2023, with 23 documented incidents.

See How ’60s Icon Ann-Margret Looks Today

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See How ’60s Icon Ann-Margret Looks Today



Ann-Margret Olsson, a quintessential Hollywood icon of the 1960s, captivated audiences with her dynamic presence and striking beauty in films such as “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Viva Las Vegas.” Despite the passage of over six decades, Ann-Margret continues to exude the same vivacity and charm that first catapulted her to stardom.


Ann-Margret posing for a photo in the 60s.

Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images

Gaining recognition in the early 1960s, Ann-Margret initially made her mark with roles in musicals. However, she demonstrated her versatility by embracing more serious parts, earning an Oscar nomination for her performance in “Carnal Knowledge” in 1972. Her unwavering energy, both on and off the screen, remains undiminished by time. In 2024, at the age of 82, she revealed that she still enjoyed riding her lavender motorcycle, attributing her youthful spirit to the thrill of speed. “I love the speed,” she shared with People.

Ann-Margret posing with her USO honor for her life of service.

A year later, Ann-Margret spoke with Interview, crediting her boundless energy to her parents. “Lots of energy, lots of energy. I’ve always had it, that’s from my mother and father,” she explained. This vitality has served her well; in March 2026, she revealed to Parade that she had recently recovered from a broken elbow sustained in a fall. When asked about her recovery, the spirited actress confidently replied, “I sure am!” Her enduring liveliness at 84 is truly inspiring.

Ann-Margret’s zest for life is reflected in her active social engagements. She confided to Interview in December 2025 about her upcoming holiday plans. Alongside celebrating Christmas Eve with her family, she planned to visit her boyfriend of two years for Christmas. Although she expressed no intention of remarrying, she looked forward to sharing New Year’s Eve with him, adding that he would be her midnight kiss.

Fans of classic Hollywood remember Ann-Margret’s enduring marriage to Roger Smith, a relationship celebrated for its longevity. The couple wed in 1967 and remained together for 50 years until Smith’s passing in 2017. In a 2026 interview with Parade, Ann-Margret reflected on her late husband’s death, expressing pride in their marriage and lamenting its perceived brevity. “We were together [a total of] 54 years. It just flew by because it was really good,” she shared. Ann-Margret fondly recalled the laughter they shared, stating, “We would always talk about things that we had done and faux pas that we had made. We laughed a lot … I miss the laughter.”

Ann-Margret has a super active social life


Ann-Margret speaking on stage.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Perhaps one of the things keeping Ann-Margret so youthful is her social life, because she’s certainly not slowing down. Au contraire, her conversation with Interview took place in December 2025, and she shared that she had big plans for the holidays. In addition to hanging out with her family on Christmas Eve, she revealed that she’d be flying to her boyfriend of two years for Christmas itself. Though she said she wasn’t planning on getting married again, she did also share that they’d be together for New Year’s Eve and that he’d be her midnight kiss. 

Old Hollywood aficionados will likely know that Ann-Margret and her late husband, Roger Smith, made up one of the longest-lasting couples in showbiz, marrying in 1967 and staying together for 50 years until the “Sunset Strip” actor passed away in 2017. In another 2026 interview with Parade, Ann-Margret opened up about his devastating death, revealing that their marriage was the thing she was “most proud of” and that she still felt it was too short. “We were together [a total of] 54 years. It just flew by because it was really good,” she gushed to the outlet. Ann-Margret also shared that the thing she missed most was being able to laugh with the late Smith. “We would always talk about things that we had done and faux pas that we had made. We laughed a lot … I miss the laughter,” she recollected. 

Despite the sadness of her husband’s passing, Ann-Margret has soldiered on, and like we said, she maintains a very busy life even today. As she told Parade when discussing her broken elbow, “I have always learned from my parents that you just get up. You just start all over again.” Talk about a force to be reckoned with!



Tragic Turn: DoorDash Driver’s Delivery of Baby Formula Ends in Fatal Confrontation

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Tragic Turn: DoorDash Driver’s Delivery of Baby Formula Ends in Fatal Confrontation

Inset: Edsel Robert Johnson (Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Authorities responding to the scene where Johnson allegedly killed a man in Idaho (KXLY).

An Idaho DoorDash driver, aged 32, faces charges for allegedly shooting a man in front of a large audience, which included the victim’s wife. The incident reportedly stemmed from the driver’s frustration while attempting to deliver baby formula during a lantern festival.

Authorities have arrested Edsel Robert Johnson, charging him with first-degree murder, reckless driving, and battery in connection with the death of Bradley Allen Rex, as indicated by court records.

The fatal shooting took place around 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Stateline Speedway in Post Falls. The location was hosting the Night Lights Sky Lantern Festival, drawing a significant crowd, according to a probable cause affidavit referenced by Spokane, Washington’s ABC affiliate KXLY.

Johnson is said to have called 911 after the incident, reporting the shooting himself. During the call, he claimed that the man he shot had hit his vehicle with something, and he expressed regret, saying he “didn’t want to shoot him but had stuff to do.”

Eyewitnesses told investigators they observed Johnson driving a silver van, honking aggressively while speeding the wrong way down Beck Road, which was crowded with pedestrians. Although most people eventually stepped aside, Rex reportedly stood his ground.

Rex’s wife, who was at the scene, told investigators her husband was attempting to protect bystanders from the erratic driver, The Spokesman-Review reported. When the van approached, Rex refused to move out of the road and allegedly swung a folding chair at the side of the vehicle as it passed on the shoulder.

The confrontation reportedly escalated quickly. Some witnesses reported that Johnson stopped the van, got out, and proceeded to attack Rex by punching him and throwing him onto the ground. One witness even described Rex being “body slammed” into a ditch. Johnson then reportedly returned to his driver’s seat. When the unarmed Rex approached the driver’s side window, Johnson allegedly fired a single shot through the open window and drove away.

The shooting was captured on witness video, which reportedly shows Rex falling down an embankment and then approaching the vehicle as the door was closing. The footage shows Johnson’s hand emerging from the van with a small black object before pointing it at Rex, who then collapsed to the ground.

Detectives noted that while being detained, Johnson made several excited utterances, telling law enforcement that he “messed up” and the shooting “should not have happened.”

In an interview with detectives, Johnson told investigators he was delivering baby formula when things “got crazy.” He admitted to slamming the victim to the ground during the initial altercation and said that when Rex ran back at his door, he “reacted. Bad.”

Johnson allegedly said, “I have no idea why I did that,” and “He was pulling my door. What was I supposed to do?” He also reportedly admitted that his own impatience fueled the fatal encounter. “Why didn’t he just get out of my way?” Johnson allegedly asked detectives. He added that while he felt bad, the “dude is dead over nothing.”

During a court appearance on Monday, a judge characterized the shooting as a critical failure of judgment, according to footage provided by Spokane CBS affiliate KREM. “You made an extremely fatal and critical decision that day and as a result of that decision a member of our community here lost his life, his family lost a father, a brother,” the judge said.

Johnson is currently being held in the Kootenai County Jail without bond, records show. It was not immediately clear when he was scheduled to return to court.

Rediscovered Alexx Ekubo Tribute to Jr Pope Evokes Strong Emotions Among Fans

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Rediscovered Alexx Ekubo Tribute to Jr Pope Evokes Strong Emotions Among Fans

The Nigerian entertainment industry is reeling from an overwhelming sense of loss and mourning following the untimely death of Alexx Ekubo.

The beloved Nollywood actor tragically succumbed to liver cancer at the age of 40, leaving fans and colleagues stunned and heartbroken.

In the wake of this somber news, social media users have revisited a poignant post by Ekubo, in which he expressed his sorrow over the death of fellow actor Junior Pope. This rediscovery has cast a spotlight on the emotional depth and significance of such tributes within the entertainment community.

In his heartfelt message, Alexx Ekubo pondered the fleeting nature of life and the abrupt passage between the realms of life and death, capturing the essence of his grief and introspection.

In the old tribute, Alexx Ekubo reflected on the futility of life and how sudden one transitions between two worlds of life and death.

He had written …

“What is the meaning of life? One minute we are here, the next minute we are not. The tragedy of the boat accident that happened days ago, still has me shocked to my bones. While I was celebrating my birthday, others were fighting for their lives. I haven’t been able to attend any event or function properly since then, as I can only imagine the unbearable pain & utter confusion the families of all those whose lives were lost are in.
It’s incomprehensible the amount of senseless & avoidable deaths we are faced with each day in this country.
More shocking & heartbreaking is the merry-go-round during a critical emergency, the sheer display of ignorance, nonchalance & high-level illiteracy. May we be surrounded by people with wisdom, & human sympathy in our helpless moment, & not those more interested in creating content out of our situation. Dear God, please accept the souls of Jnr Pope, Abigail Frederick, Precious Oforum, Joseph Anointing & any other, forgive them their sins & grant them eternal passage to heaven. Please oh Lord, give their families divine strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. If they’ve ever needed you, they need you now. To those who survived this mishap, or are affected by it directly or indirectly & are dealing with the trauma, please God comfort them on every side. To us all, let this be a reminder that life is fickle & but a fleeting mirage. May we tread carefully & go through life knowing that none of us knows which day will be our last. Yesterday it was #MohBad today is #JnrPope&Co tomorrow it can be anyone. Death is final, Life is fragile. What is the meaning of life? One minute we are here, the next minute we are not. 🕊️ 💔”

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