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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
After much anticipation from fans online, Saturday Night Live has officially brought a long-discussed cameo to life, delivering immediate excitement.
The iconic NBC comedy show launched its latest episode with a standout cold open featuring Aziz Ansari portraying the beleaguered FBI Director Kash Patel. This cameo, eagerly speculated about in fan communities, felt like SNL was responding directly to its audience’s hopes.
In a humorous twist, Ansari’s Patel addressed the press, saying, “You guys should not be reporting the lies and the gossip. You should be reporting on the historic nature of my appointment. I’m a trailblazer. I’m the first Indian person to suck at their job.”
The sketch quickly zeroed in on its satirical target.
Continuing with his comedic jabs, he added, “Everyone says Indian people are smart, hardworking, incredibly intelligent. I’ve proved without a shadow of a doubt that we can be just as incapable and incompetent as the whites.”
The casting itself didn’t come out of nowhere. Back in the fall, fans on Reddit were already calling for Ansari to take on Patel, with one viral post racking up tens of thousands of upvotes and essentially daring the show to make the move.
The cold open threads in several real-world headlines surrounding Patel, including rumors about his alleged drinking habits. Addressing the chatter head-on — and in the third person — Ansari’s version of the FBI chief insisted, “Let me be clear: this FBI director has never been drunk or hungover on the job.”
He quickly added, “And this FBI director has definitely not stood on top of a couch at the VIP room of Tao Nightclub and Asian Bistro and shouted, ‘Who wants the nuclear codes?!’”
The sketch also takes aim at Patel’s standing inside the White House and his relationship with Donald Trump, framing him as both eager to please and perpetually on thin ice.
“President Trump loves me,” Patel insisted. “Everybody loves me. Even the correspondents’ dinner shooter said, ‘Kill everyone but Mr. Patel.’ You get a shoutout like that in a psycho’s manifesto, you must be doing something right.”
That line pulls from a chilling real-world detail tied to suspect Cole Tomas Allen, whose manifesto reportedly singled out other administration officials while excluding Patel.
Finally, the sketch circles one of the more eyebrow-raising headlines tied to Patel: his reported difficulty logging into an internal system. While the real-life version has pushed back on how that story was characterized, SNL leans all the way in.
“That’s just more lies,” Ansari’s Patel said. “I’ve always been able to log into my e-mail, except for a brief 36-hour period of time when I forgot I had changed my password to CashMeOutside69.”
That’s the SNL sweet spot — headline-driven chaos anchored by spot-on casting. And yes, the Ansari-as-Patel payoff was worth the wait.
Approaching your 50s and noticing changes in your belly? A fitness expert suggests that crunches might not be the best solution. Here are some alternatives to consider.
It’s undeniable: reshaping your midsection can be a challenging task. As we grow older, it’s not uncommon for the lower belly to start to sag or protrude—a condition often referred to as “apron belly.” This can happen even if you maintain an active lifestyle. While the instinct might be to increase the number of crunches or sit-ups to tackle this issue, these exercises alone don’t address the broader picture.
The reason is that losing fat isn’t something you can localize to just one part of your body. Scientific research has debunked the myth of spot reduction, which suggests that specific exercises can burn fat in targeted areas. Instead, the key to reducing belly fat lies in a holistic approach: boosting physical activity, increasing calorie burn, and strengthening the muscles that underlie posture and movement.
However, this doesn’t mean that core strength isn’t crucial for achieving a leaner waistline. The muscles deep within your abdomen function like a natural girdle, providing support to your midsection. By fortifying these muscles, you can improve your posture and abdominal control, potentially making your stomach look flatter over time.
That’s not to say core strength isn’t essential for a trim waistline. Your deep ab muscles act like a natural corset around your midsection, and strengthening them can enhance posture and abdominal control, which may help your stomach appear flatter over time.
That’s where standing exercises come in. Unlike traditional floor-based ab workouts, standing movements engage your core alongside larger muscle groups like your glutes, back, and legs. This increases energy expenditure and more closely mimics real-life movement patterns such as walking, bending, and lifting.
To find out which standing exercises are best for flattening apron belly faster than crunches after 50, we chatted with Abbie Watkins, CPT, certified personal trainer with OriGym, who shears her top five recommended moves. “When it comes to flattening an ‘apron belly’, it’s important to remember that you can’t target fat loss in one specific area, so endless crunches are not the answer,” Watkins explains. “Instead, your focus should be on strengthening the core while also being more active in general to help burn fat.”
Watkins recommends movements that engage your core while also incorporating your lower body. “These exercises all activate the core while also bringing in the glutes and lower body,” Watkins says. “Incorporating the glutes and lower body means these burn more calories than floor-based core exercises, which helps increase your overall activity level.”
Standing Knee Drives
Standing knee drives are a dynamic movement that engages your lower abs while activating your hip flexors and stabilizing deep core muscles. Because this exercise requires lifting your leg while maintaining balance, it challenges your coordination and core control simultaneously.
How to do it:
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
Place your hands on your hips or hold a stable surface for balance.
Engage your core by tightening your ab muscles.
Drive one knee upward toward your chest.
Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning backward.
Pause for one to two seconds at the top of the movement.
Lower your foot back down with control.
Repeat with the opposite leg.
Perform two to three sets of 12 to 15 reps per leg, resting for 30 to 45 seconds between sets.
Torso Rotations
Next up are torso rotations, which activate your obliques (side abs) while encouraging controlled twisting through your spine. These muscles are crucial in stabilizing your torso during daily movements.
How to do it:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Keep your knees slightly bent and your posture upright.
Extend your arms in front of your body or place your hands together.
Engage your core and slowly rotate your torso to one side.
Keep your hips facing forward while your upper body rotates.
Return to the center with control.
Repeat the movement to the opposite side.
Continue alternating sides in a smooth, controlled motion.
Complete two to three sets of 12 to 15 reps per side. Rest for 30 to 45 seconds between sets.
Side Bends
Side bends also target your obliques and engage your deep stabilizing core muscles. This movement can also help improve lateral strength and control, which supports posture and spinal alignment.
How to do it:
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
Place one hand on your hip and raise your opposite arm overhead.
Engage your core to stabilize your torso.
Slowly bend your upper body to the side.
Keep your movement controlled and avoid leaning forward or backward.
Pause for one to two seconds at the end of the range of motion.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Aim for two to three sets of 12 to 15 reps per side, resting for 30 to 45 seconds between sets.
Bodyweight Squats
This compound exercise is one of the most effective movements for engaging multiple large muscle groups at once. While bodyweight squats mostly work your legs and glutes, they also require core stabilization to maintain proper form.
How to do it:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes slightly turned outward.
Keep your chest upright and your core engaged.
Push your hips back and begin lowering into a squat.
Keep your weight through your heels and midfoot.
Lower until your thighs are parallel to the floor or as far as comfortable.
Pause for one to two seconds at the bottom of the movement.
Push through your feet to return to a standing position.
Perform two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps. Rest for 45 to 60 seconds between sets.
Hip Hinges
Hip hinges train your body to move correctly through your hips rather than your lower back, which helps strengthen your glutes and hamstrings to help support bending, lifting, and good posture—all of which can help contribute to a flatter midsection.
How to do it:
Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
Place your hands on your hips or let them hang naturally.
Keep your spine neutral and your chest lifted.
Push your hips backward while maintaining a slight bend in your knees.
Lower your torso forward as your hips move back.
Stop when you feel a stretch in your hamstrings.
Return to a standing position by squeezing your glutes.
Complete two to three sets of 10 to 12 reps, resting for 30 to 45 seconds between sets.
In 1905, Dr. Elie Metchnikoff, a Russian physician, proposed the idea that consuming fermented milk could be the secret to a long life. This theory quickly gained popularity throughout Europe, igniting a widespread health movement.
Fast forward over a hundred years, and the fascination with fermented beverages has resurfaced in the form of kefir. This tangy, slightly effervescent drink has a yogurt-like consistency and, to some, resembles sour milk in aroma.
Kefir is created by introducing kefir grains, which are clusters of probiotics and yeast, into milk to initiate fermentation. This process results in a beverage rich in protein and calcium.
In the UK alone, consumers spend £40 million annually on kefir, and market analysts anticipate continued growth. Brands are confidently marketing their products with promises of bolstering the immune system, fortifying bones, and boosting cognitive function. Research even indicates potential benefits for cardiovascular health, digestion, and weight management.
But does kefir deserve a permanent spot in our refrigerators, or is it merely the latest wellness trend? Should we all incorporate this probiotic powerhouse into our diets, or is it just a fleeting health craze?
I decided to find out.
The challenge was simple: every morning for a month I would drink a 250ml bottle of Biotiful kefir, which is available in most supermarkets.
Before starting, I undertook a series of tests. The Functional Gut Clinic in London screened my gut microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that live in the digestive system and play a crucial role in health. I also had my cholesterol level tested and weight recorded.
Luke Chafer drank one glass of kefir milk each day for a month, with astonishing results
It led to him losing weight, finding a solution to his acid reflux issue and improved his gut health
My results did not make for great reading.
The test revealed I had low gut microbial diversity – meaning there were fewer different types of beneficial microbes living in my digestive system than is considered ideal. This may be linked to a greater risk of health problems, including bowel cancer.
I did have some symptoms to suggest this might be the case. Nearly every morning after a hot shower I would suffer from acid reflux, along with a regular feeling of bloating.
My cholesterol test also revealed that, at the age of just 26, I had slightly elevated ‘bad’ cholesterol. Known as LDL, it is responsible for plaque build-up in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
My concerning cholesterol level was perhaps less surprising when I stepped on the scales. Weighing in at just over 14 stone, and standing at 6ft, it put my BMI at 27 – firmly in the overweight category.
So I was quite sceptical that making one change to my lifestyle – drinking one glass of kefir a day – could make much difference.
The first impact came two weeks in. After a year of suffering from painful acid reflux in the mornings, it just disappeared.
‘While there is no specific research on kefir and acid reflux, this finding doesn’t really surprise me,’ says Dr Federica Amati, a nutritionist at Imperial College London and part of the team behind gut health app Zoe. ‘This is because our gastrointestinal tract is one tube, so when you are improving the diversity in the colon, which kefir may help to do, that is going to have an impact further up the tract – in this case in the form of acid reflux.’
Another surprising finding came when I stepped back on the scales after four weeks of drinking kefir – I had lost almost 9lb, edging me closer to an average BMI.
Looking back, I think that benefit came from less snacking. Previously, I’d often skip breakfast. But my glass of kefir came in at around 150 calories, with 8g protein and 8g of fat – roughly the equivalent of one-and-a-half eggs and surprisingly filling. It led to me having a later lunch, and meant I didn’t feel the need for my usual mid-afternoon and evening snacks.
Some research suggests the way fermented foods interact with the gut microbiome can affect appetite regulation hormones such as GLP-1 – the same one that weight-loss jabs mimic. However, the evidence for this is still emerging.
The results from my gut microbiome follow-up test, though, show that the kefir certainly had an effect over the month.
Its diversity rose from 134 to 147 species, and the missing ‘good’ bacteria levels also dropped.
There is some research suggesting that kefir can reduce cholesterol – but after a month there was no change in my reading. While a few studies show small drops in LDL from drinking kefir, the evidence is mixed and the impact is modest at best.
It’s also worth noting that full-fat kefir contains saturated fat, which can push cholesterol in the wrong direction. There are low-fat versions available.
Overall, my experience was very positive. I lost weight, found a solution to my acid reflux and improved my gut microbiome – something which is linked to positive long-term health outcomes.
Experts say that while you do not have to down a glass of kefir every morning, there are benefits to increasing our intake of fermented foods.
‘We should aim for three fermented food servings every day,’ says Dr Amati. ‘250ml of kefir is actually equivalent to three servings, but you can also get it from adding miso into your sauces when cooking, having kimchi with your lunch or adding a spoonful of kefir into your breakfast.’
I can’t say I much fancy eating miso and kimchi every day, but I do think I’ll be sticking to my daily glass of kefir. It’s quite addictive.
When opting for kefir, Dr Amati suggests checking the label to avoid brands with added sugars and, where possible, choosing a plain product before adding your own flavourings.
‘We have heard a lot about increasing fibre intake recently, but increasing our intake of fermented foods is just as important and can have a great effect on our overall health,’ she adds.
Two members of the U.S. armed forces are currently unaccounted for in southwestern Morocco following a multinational military exercise, prompting a search-and-rescue mission by both U.S. and allied forces, officials announced on Sunday.
The incident took place on May 2 at the Cap Draa Training Area, located near the Moroccan city of Tan Tan, approximately 15 miles from the Atlantic coast, according to statements from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
“The situation is under investigation, and search efforts are ongoing,” AFRICOM stated, noting that the rescue operation involves a coordinated effort utilizing ground, air, and maritime resources.
Fox News Digital sought additional information from AFRICOM but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
On May 31, 2024, U.S. and Moroccan military personnel engaged in the 20th iteration of the African Lion military exercise in Tantan, located south of Agadir, Morocco. (Photo by Mosa’ab Elshamy/AP)
The war games exercise, known as African Lion, started in April and runs across four countries, including Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal. It is scheduled to end in early May.
African Lion is the U.S. military’s largest annual exercise in Africa, bringing together senior commanders from the United States and key regional allies. It was originally launched in 2004.
U.S. officials say the multinational drills are designed to strengthen security partnerships and sharpen troop readiness for potential global crises.
This is a developing news story; check back for updates.
A small regional city is astonishingly surpassing Sydney, Australia’s priciest real estate market, by an impressive margin of 40 times. This shift is fueled by a growing trend of city dwellers seeking more affordable housing options. However, this rapid expansion is introducing new challenges.
Wagga Wagga, located in New South Wales, has emerged as one of the nation’s most sought-after property markets, according to recent data. This trend highlights a significant change in where Australians are choosing to live and invest.
Residents of Wagga Wagga have witnessed an economic boom and an infusion of cultural diversity as new arrivals settle in the area. However, this influx also brings challenges, as the demand for housing, public services, and infrastructure grows.
One such new resident, Saba Nabi, moved to Wagga Wagga in 2012 with her young daughter. She joined her husband, who was pursuing a PhD at the local Charles Sturt University campus. Her story is just one of many as people across the country seek new beginnings away from bustling city life.
Growth brings opportunity, and pressure
Saba Nabi moved to Wagga Wagga in 2012 with her infant daughter, joining her husband, who was studying for a PhD at the local Charles Sturt University campus.
Saba Nabi moved to Wagga Wagga, NSW, in 2012 from India. She says 14 years later, the city is unrecognisable. Source: Supplied / Sai Kumar
The couple values international education and wanted to move away from the fast-paced city life they had in New Delhi, India.
So, 14 years ago, they relocated to the regional hub, which then had a population of around 60,000 and had seen little growth in the preceding years.
“My first impression was that it’s such a small place, and it had a really small airport,” Nabi tells SBS News.
“Compared to places we’d lived, like Saudi Arabia and Delhi, it was a very small community.”
But the “somewhat sleepy” city she describes has since undergone substantial population and infrastructure growth, as more people move to regional areas for affordability and lifestyle.
“Traffic has grown a lot,” she says, and there are “many new suburbs being built” to accommodate the now 70,000 people living in the city.
Sara Nabi says demand for essential services has intensified in Wagga Wagga, placing pressure on local systems. Source: SBS News / Chris Roe
Nabi says the cost of everyday items, from groceries to takeaway coffees, has also risen sharply.
Everything has increased, especially after COVID-19.
“I know some of my friends who initially, only one of the family members was working, but with the cost of living and everything, the entire family’s working now, like both husband and wife, they both work just to cover the increasing cost.”
She says demand for essential services has also intensified, placing pressure on local systems.
“Waitlists for childcare are much longer than they used to be. Now, you have a huge waiting list,” she says.
“I have also seen longer wait times for mental health appointments.”
Housing availability has become another growing concern, with online forums increasingly filled with residents seeking rentals or homes to buy.
A property market on the rise
Wagga Wagga’s property market is growing fast and, according to some datasets, is among the strongest in the country for price growth.
Analysis from property data firm Cotality found the median home price in the city rose by 8.1 per cent in the final quarter of 2025, which is around 40 times the growth recorded in Sydney — Australia’s most expensive capital city — where house prices rose by just 0.2 per cent over the same period.
The average property price in Wagga Wagga, including units, reached $665,026, with houses typically valued at about $100,000 more.
Cotality’s head of research, Gerard Burg, says the three months to December marked the strongest growth nationally.
Wagga Wagga is located just under five hours’ drive from both Sydney and Melbourne. Source: SBS News
Burg says the growth is being driven primarily by affordability, with dwellings in Wagga Wagga costing roughly half as much as those in Sydney, around a five-hour drive away.
“This presents opportunities for potential home buyers, such as a lower deposit, lower mortgage repayments, and potentially freeing up income to save or spend on other areas of life,” he tells SBS News.
Unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic, when coastal sea-change locations and commuter belts saw the biggest gains, inland regional centres like Wagga Wagga are now experiencing renewed demand.
However, not all data points to the same pace of growth.
Figures from Domain, which uses a different methodology, suggest a more moderate increase in the first three months of 2026.
Nicola Powell, chief of research and economics at Domain, says house prices in Wagga Wagga have now surpassed $700,000 for the first time.
The analysis found that growth towards the end of 2025 was around 3 percentage points lower than Cotality’s estimate, with prices rising 3.7 per cent in the March quarter of this year — representing a 10 per cent gain over 12 months.
It’s the strongest rate of growth we’ve seen for the LGA in three years.
“Regional markets are performing well, as some cities like Melbourne and Sydney are slowing down in terms of price.”
Data from Domain shows that house prices in both Melbourne and Sydney have dropped so far in 2026, highlighting a divergence between capital cities and regional markets.
Powell says Wagga Wagga’s appeal lies in its relatively “strong and diverse” economic base.
Analysts say the steady population growth in Wagga Wagga is increasing demand for services such as hospitals, schools and aged care, with infrastructure struggling to keep pace with the city’s expanding role as a regional hub. Source: SBS News / Chris Roe
The city is home to a large hospital, defence assets, and a university, all of which support employment and population growth.
Who is moving to Wagga Wagga?
Nabi says the city has seen a steady influx of short- and long-term residents since she arrived in 2012.
Younger adults and retirees make up the bulk of new arrivals, and many are from diverse cultural and international backgrounds.
“Just walking around town, there are so many more people of colour, or ethnically owned businesses. It’s great to see a lot more diverse cultural events across different communities,” she says.
Census data from 2021 shows a decline in the proportion of residents identifying solely with Australian heritage compared with 2016.
At the same time, the number of residents with ancestry from countries such as India, China and Iraq has increased.
The proportion of residents identifying solely with Australian heritage in Wagga Wagga has declined compared with 2016, according to the 2021 Census. Source: SBS News
Over the same period, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Wagga Wagga has also grown almost 10-fold.
Nabi says there is a trend of migrants staying in the city to meet visa requirements before relocating to larger urban centres.
Despite the churn, overall population growth remains positive, with more people arriving than leaving.
Rachel Whiting, the CEO and director of regional development at Regional Development Australia’s Riverina branch, says in the nine years she has held her position, Wagga Wagga has diversified significantly across age groups and cultural backgrounds.
“People from all over the Riverina region come to Wagga to retire,” she tells SBS News.
“From an employment and a career perspective, if you move here, you will have more opportunities for advancement than you will have in a city. The types of people often sought or promoted regionally are those with a diverse range of skills.”
Growth exposes housing and labour gaps
Whiting says population growth has brought “amazing things” to the community, but like many regional centres, Wagga Wagga is facing worker shortages affecting local businesses and essential services.
“We are quite a diverse economy in the Riverina, and we need people to work those jobs,” she says.
From doctors and nurses to teachers, to police, to agricultural workers, to everything, mechanics … plumbers, we need them.
Whiting says housing availability, particularly rentals, has become another pressure point as demand rises.
Rental vacancy rates are sitting near or below 1 per cent in several regional centres across the country, underscoring the tight conditions.
“If you’re in a position to buy, it’s easier to buy a property and find something that suits your needs in the Riverina than it is to rent,” she says.
Simon Croft, CEO of industry and policy at the peak residential building body, Housing Industry Association, says regional housing is often under-prioritised, despite “exponential” population growth.
He notes that nearly one-third of Australians, or 10 million people, are living outside capital cities, yet housing supply has struggled to keep pace.
“The builders there are ready, willing, and able to deliver more housing, but they lack the new land coming through, new land supply, and funding for the enabling infrastructure,” he tells SBS News.
“So, the roads, the silver pipes, the electricity cables, the access roads and the like, often they can build the homes faster than they can get that enabling infrastructure delivered to those regions.”
Regional areas are also facing greater skilled worker shortages, particularly in the trades, as Australia deals with a shortfall of over 83,000 workers needed to meet national housing targets.
“Regional housing can’t be seen as a secondary consideration by the government, but a primary focus in the design and policy settings for the country,” Croft says.
Balancing growth and liveability
Despite the challenges, Nabi says she has no plans to leave Wagga Wagga and loves the community she has found there.
But she says maintaining that quality of life will depend on how well the city addresses growing service gaps.
“There’s more demand for disability services, and infrastructure is struggling. I don’t know if the city will be able to cope with more traffic,” she says.
While property prices have boomed, analysts say the pace of growth will likely slow down in the coming years.
Younger adults and retirees make up the bulk of new arrivals in Wagga Wagga, and many are from diverse cultural and international backgrounds. Source: SBS News
Burg from Cotality says recent trends show stronger momentum in regional markets outside NSW, particularly in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
“In particular, the south-west of Western Australia has recorded very strong growth, as have markets inland from Brisbane, such as Toowoomba and its surrounds,” he says.
Whiting says the city’s long-term success will hinge on its ability to deliver enough affordable and social housing, not just in Wagga Wagga but across the wider Riverina region.
“There’s no doubt we need more housing,” he says.
“The whole country will tell you that, but I think our region also prides itself on being good problem solvers. And if people have the skills that we need, we will do our best to ensure that they find what they need and to be welcoming communities.”
An illegal immigrant stands accused of brutally murdering two women in separate incidents on Long Island, leaving a trail of devastation before calmly confessing his actions to the authorities. Rony Yahir Alvarenga Rivera, 22, is alleged to have committed these heinous acts, targeting a coworker and his roommate in what police have described as savage attacks.
The first victim, a 42-year-old coworker, was reportedly attacked at a Wendy’s in Island Park, Nassau County. According to News 12, the incident occurred just after midnight on Friday as the victim was taking out the trash. Rivera allegedly ambushed and fatally stabbed her, leaving the community in shock.
Hours later, the second murder unfolded in Valley Stream, where Rivera allegedly claimed the life of a 32-year-old woman on Mineola Avenue. The relationship between Rivera and this victim remains unclear, although they had been living together, according to Nassau County police.
Rivera entered the United States illegally in 2016 at the age of 12. The nature of these brutal acts and Rivera’s subsequent calm confession have left many grappling with the senselessness of the violence and the questions surrounding his motivations.
Rivera, who came to the US illegally in 2016 at age 12, was living with his second victim, although police said the exact nature of their relationship isn’t clear.
Illegal immigrant Rony Yahir Alvarenga Rivera, 22, is accused of murdering two women on LI. Nassau County Police Department
Both women suffered savage stab wounds to the neck and torso.
Rivera then reportedly called the police and told them what he had done.
“While we were at the scene, we received information that an individual was stopped at 169 Atlantic Avenue in Lynbrook,” Det. Lt. George Darienzo said.
The first stabbing took place outside a Wendy’s restaurant in Island Park. CBS News
“He asked to see police and when police arrived, he said he killed somebody that night,” he added.
Rivera was arrested outside a 7-Eleven in Lynbrook.
He is facing multiple murder charges, but has pleaded not guilty.
A newly surfaced video captures the intriguing moment when Queen Camilla received an enigmatic token from a Republican politician following King Charles’s address to Congress.
On Tuesday, during the second day of their momentous state visit to the United States, King Charles delivered his speech to Congress.
With this address, he became only the second British monarch to ever speak before Congress, echoing the historic address of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Post-speech, amidst applause and standing ovations, Charles and Camilla engaged with several politicians. It was during these exchanges that one congressman discreetly handed Camilla a small, round object.
In the video, Congressman Jimmy Patronis is seen passing what appears to be a sizable blue coin into Queen Camilla’s hand as they greet, prompting her to smile and express her gratitude for the unexpected gift.
In July last year, the same congressman was seen giving Donald Trump a similar-looking coin – later confirming on social media that he had handed the President a congressional challenge coin.
Footage shows Trump being given the item before he inspects it on both sides, while Mr Patronis tells him: ‘Mr President, my first coin. I want you to look at what I put on the back of it, on the other side. The Gulf of America.’
Trump responds: ‘Oh that’s great. Have a good time.’
Queen Camilla is handed a token by congressman Jimmy Patronis during her visit to the US
Camilla accepts the mysterious token and thanks the congressman for giving it to her
The Queen appears pleased as she walks away with the token secured in her left hand
Receiving this type of coin is deemed a significant honor, representing recognition from a member of Congress for outstanding service or achievement.
This recognition can be for military service, public service or community contributions.
Meanwhile, the coin can also commemorate significant events, anniversaries, or legislative achievements. For example, coins may be gifted to mark the anniversary of a significant historical event, or to honor a milestone in a person’s career.
Charles and Camilla have one notable date coming up on Wednesday, that being the three-year anniversary of their coronation.
Before his speech even began on Tuesday, the King received a four-minute standing ovation as he walked into the chamber, later experiencing another loud round of applause as he took to his feet to speak.
His 20-minute address was greeted with further rounds of applause and laughter from US lawmakers.
He began by stating: ‘Mr Vice President, Mr Speaker, Members of Congress, representatives of the American People across all states, territories, cities and communities.
In July last year, the same congressman was seen giving Donald Trump a similar-looking coin
Mr Patronis hands Trump the coin, later confirming on social media that he gave the President a congressional challenge coin
King Charles delivered a speech to the US Congress on the second day of his historic state visit to the US
‘I would like to take this opportunity to express my particular gratitude to you all for the great honour of addressing this Joint Meeting of Congress and, on behalf of the Queen and myself, to thank the American people for welcoming us to the United States to mark this semiquincentennial year of the Declaration of Independence.
‘And for all of that time, our destinies as Nations have been interlinked.
‘As Oscar Wilde said, “We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language!”‘
The Daily Mail has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment on Camilla’s token.
Human rights investigators have unveiled a troubling network reportedly established by Russia, recruiting vulnerable foreign nationals to fight in its war against Ukraine. This global pipeline is said to involve individuals from over 130 countries, using methods described by advocacy groups as coercive, deceptive, and sometimes akin to trafficking.
In light of significant battlefield setbacks and seeking to avoid the political fallout of a domestic draft, Moscow has allegedly structured an international recruitment system. This operation, targeting some of the globe’s most disadvantaged communities, is detailed in a new report by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Truth Hounds, and the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights.
The report reveals that since February 2022, Russia has recruited around 27,000 foreign nationals from regions including Central and South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. According to Ukrainian authorities cited in the study, Russia may aim to enlist an additional 18,500 foreign nationals in 2026, which would be the largest yearly recruitment since the war’s escalation.
In western Ukraine on November 26, 2025, nationals from African countries were observed in a detention center section designated for foreign fighters captured while serving in the Russian military on the Ukrainian front.(Photo by Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)
“This report underscores a critical issue: the deployment of foreign fighters by Russia is not an incidental or impromptu occurrence. Russia has engineered a comprehensive recruitment network targeting the most susceptible groups — undocumented migrants, detainees, workers in precarious situations, or even international students — across numerous countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America,” remarked Alexis Deswaef, president of the International Federation for Human Rights.
“Many of these men knew in some capacity what they were signing up for. But some were also deceived or coerced. But in all cases, it is a State that has instrumentalised them as part of its war machine and sent them to the most dangerous positions on the frontline.”
The report’s central allegation is that Russia’s recruitment apparatus extends far beyond traditional mercenary networks and instead functions as a state-enabled global system that exploits poverty, legal vulnerability and migration insecurity.
Investigators say recruitment evolved from relying primarily on ideologically motivated volunteers early in the war to a broader institutionalized model by mid-2023, after Russia expanded legal eligibility for foreign nationals, eased language and residency requirements, and offered citizenship and financial incentives in exchange for service.
Nationals of African countries watch television in a detention center in western Ukraine holding foreign fighters captured while serving with Russian forces on the Ukrainian front on Nov. 26, 2025.(Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)
In some cases, according to the report, migrants inside Russia were allegedly pressured to enlist through raids, detention threats, document confiscation, fabricated criminal charges and abuse. Outside Russia, recruits were often allegedly lured through promises of civilian jobs, noncombat positions or pathways to Europe, only to be routed into military contracts they often could not read.
Of 16 prisoners of war interviewed for the report, 13 said they were told they would not be required to fight, but were later deployed to frontline positions, often within weeks.
The report also alleges many foreign recruits were funneled into so-called “meat assaults” — high-risk frontal attacks associated with severe casualty rates. Ukrainian estimates cited in the report say at least 3,388 foreign fighters have been killed, with some estimates suggesting one in five recruits may not survive deployment.
A Russian service member stands next to a mobile recruitment center for military service under contract in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Sept. 17, 2022.(Sergey Pivovarov/Reuters)
“Despite the fact that many states are taking measures to curb recruitment, and although Russia claims it is no longer recruiting citizens from certain countries, the predatory recruitment continues. Ukrainian authorities predict that in 2026 Russia will engage more 18,500 foreign nationals, marking the highest annual figure since 2022,” said Maria Tomak, associated researcher and advocacy expert at Truth Hounds.
“This underscores the continued relevance of our report. Our primary objective remains clear: to halt recruitment and to compel Russia to repatriate those already recruited.”
The report stops short of claiming every foreign fighter was trafficked, noting some enlisted voluntarily for financial gain, but concludes there are reasonable grounds to believe at least some cases meet international definitions of trafficking in persons through deception, coercion and exploitation.
For investigators, the broader concern is that Russia’s war effort may now depend in part on a transnational manpower pipeline that weaponizes global inequality, drawing economically desperate men from around the world into one of Europe’s deadliest conflicts.
Russian and Chechen soldiers in a devastated Mariupol neighborhood close to the Azovstal frontline. (Maximilian Clarke/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The report calls on governments, international organizations and Ukraine’s allies to crack down on recruitment networks, pressure Moscow diplomatically and push for repatriation of foreign nationals already caught in Russia’s military system.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Russia’s Defense Ministry for comment but did not receive a response.
Efrat Lachter is a foreign correspondent for Fox News Digital covering international affairs and the United Nations. Follow her on X @efratlachter. Stories can be sent to efrat.lachter@fox.com.
King Charles, currently on a state visit to the United States, is reportedly under a comprehensive security detail that includes counter-drone systems, long-range observation teams, and rapid response units. This heightened security comes in the wake of a recent shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., which demanded significant emergency intervention.
At 77, King Charles, along with Queen Camilla, aged 78, landed in the U.S. on Monday, April 27, 2026, for a four-day visit. This visit, coordinated by Buckingham Palace in collaboration with U.S. authorities, is taking place amidst political tensions between the UK and the U.S. governments. Additionally, the visit has drawn renewed attention to the security measures managed by the U.S. Secret Service.
King Charles is said to be under protection in the US by counter-drone systems, long-range observation teams and rapid response units
During their stay, King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to engage in several activities, including meetings at the White House and various locations around Washington. Their itinerary also includes visits to New York and Virginia. The royal couple’s presence in the U.S. highlights the ongoing diplomatic relationship between the two nations, even as they navigate a landscape of political complexities.
Charles’ visit – organised by Buckingham Palace in coordination with US authorities – is also taking place against a backdrop of political tensions between the UK and US governments, as well as renewed scrutiny on security arrangements overseen by the US Secret Service.
Camilla is accompanying Charles, with engagements scheduled at the White House and across Washington, alongside planned visits to New York and Virginia.
Security planning for the visit has drawn attention following the incident at the Correspondents’ Dinner, where Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump, 56, were evacuated from the ballroom after gunfire rang out in the latest attempt to assassinate the president.
According to reports, the Secret Service – supported by specialist units – has now increased its presence around Charles, with additional personnel and surveillance measures expected throughout his visit.
Richard Aitch, a former security specialist, told The Sun: “Security will be on another level as to what was originally planned – the hatches will be battened down.”
Anthony Glees, a security expert, added the King’s decision to travel reflected the seriousness of the situation, suggesting the trip carried inherent risks given the current climate.
Preparations for the visit are understood to have included discussions between Buckingham Palace and US officials in the days following the dinner incident, with adjustments made to the programme while allowing it to proceed.
Charles, who has previously experienced an attempted attack earlier in his life, is expected to be accompanied by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit, working alongside US agencies.
The Secret Service will take the lead in coordinating security, with additional support from other federal and military units.
Mr Aitch also told The Sun: “There’s a whole host of conduct going on in the background… months or possibly a year in advance to a scheduled visit.”
He added: “That is going to be the main concern of the Royalty and Specialist Protection. Are there going to be sufficient measures in place to combat, to counter lone wolf attackers? And of course, the interaction with the public, the distance between the King and the members of the general public is going to be another concern.”
Further details of the operation suggest the deployment of counter-drone systems, long-range observation teams and rapid response units.
Will Geddes, another security expert, told The Sun: “We will see a heightened level of security coverage.”
He added: “There would have been a very clear directive that would have gone down from President Trump’s office to the various agencies that will be involved to basically say, ‘You need to be on your game.’ ‘You need to make sure we are not embarrassed to get on the world stage in the event of what happened obviously at the correspondents’ ball’.”
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was formally charged in a D.C. federal court on Monday, following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
During the arraignment, prosecutors revealed Allen faces three major criminal charges, which could lead to a sentence of up to life in prison.
They are the attempted assassination of Trump, transportation of a firearm in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The judge ordered Allen to be detained without bond pending a formal detention hearing scheduled for Thursday morning.
Allen did not enter a plea during this initial appearance. His court-appointed lawyer emphasised he is presumed innocent and noted he has no prior criminal record.
Prosecutors stated when Allen was arrested after charging the security checkpoint he was armed with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a .38 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and three knives.
The Los Angeles Rams took a strategic approach to enhancing their defense during the offseason, focusing their efforts on key areas rather than making a slew of changes. Their most significant upgrades came with the addition of two standout cornerbacks, fundamentally transforming the dynamics of their defensive lineup.
In a pivotal move, the Rams acquired Pro Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. Complementing this trade, they also secured Jaylen Watson, McDuffie’s former teammate, through free agency. Together, these acquisitions have significantly bolstered the Rams’ defensive capabilities.
Beyond these high-profile cornerback signings, the Rams remained relatively subdued in their defensive pursuits during free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. This restraint aligns with the team’s confidence in their existing pool of young, promising talent across other defensive positions. However, addressing their cornerback lineup, which was notably lacking last season, was a priority that they tackled head-on.
Here’s a current overview of the Rams’ defensive depth chart following their offseason activities:
Defensive line
Starters: DE Braden Fiske, NT Poona Ford, DT Kobie Turner
Reserves: Ty Hamilton, Jaxson Moi, Jalen Logan-Redding, Tyler Davis, Tim Keenan III, Bill Norton, Larrell Murchison, Payton Zdroik
The skinny: The Rams have done a solid job of building an effective defensive line over the last few years, leaving them with no big needs in this area. They added Keenan as a late-draft reinforcement, and he’ll get a chance to earn a spot in the rotation, but the Rams were essentially set here thanks to the work they have done over the years.
Bottom line: The Rams were excellent against the run last year, and it starts up front. In terms of long range, Fiske and Ford are under contract through the 2027 season, but Turner is on an expiring contract, so a decision needs to be made on his long-term future.
Linebackers
Starters: Byron Young, Jared Verse, Nate Landman, Omar Speights
Reserves: Josaiah Stewart, Grant Stuard, Shaun Dolac, Elias Neal, Desjuan Johnson, Keir Thomas II, Eddie Walls III, Nikhai Hill-Green, Wesley Bailey, Darryl Peterson III
The skinny: According to Pro Football Focus, only three edge rushers earned a top-15 grade in both pass rush and run defense last year. One was Young, who broke through in 2025 with career highs in sacks (12) and 82 tackles. The other two were Myles Garrett and Will Anderson.
That speaks to Young’s emergence as a force off the edge and why he is up for a big payday on a new contract extension. But for the Rams’ defense to take another step forward, especially in closing out games, they need Verse to have a similar emergence in his third season. Verse is an outstanding player, but he needs to be more consistent in terms of great reps to average ones. He’s too good for the high-to-low fluctuation he’s sometimes prone to. If that happens, the Rams will field one of the most lethal pass rush tandems in the NFL.
Bottom line: The Rams have one of the best one-two punches off the edge in Young and Verse, and there is an absolute ceiling to improve. As far as their inside linebackers, they passed on upgrading at that position, hoping Speights and Landman can continue to provide serviceable play. Expect them to address that area moving forward.
Cornerback
Starters: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Quentin Lake
The skinny: Cornerback became a liability for the Rams last year, and they prioritized that position in the offseason. It’s hard to imagine them handling that task any better than they did in trading for McDuffie and then signing Watson in free agency. In the blink of an eye, a weakness became a strength. To put that in perspective, if that cornerback tandem were in place last year, the Rams likely would have played in the Super Bowl.
Bottom line: With Lake manning the slot cornerback spot, and McDuffie and Watson on the perimeter, the Rams are as strong as they’ve been in years at their top three corner spots. Lampkin and Wallace provide solid depth. The Rams are set here for a while, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they added another veteran depth piece.
Safety
Starters: Kamren Kinchens, Kam Curl
Reserves: Jaylen McCollough, Nate Valcarcel, Tanner Ingle, Nick Andersen
The skinny: The Rams were essentially hands-off at safety this offseason, a clear sign they are encouraged by the young talent they have assembled. Also, keep in mind that with McDuffie, a do-it-all corner able to line up in the slot, that means Lake can be deployed at his more natural safety position from time to time.
Bottom line: The work the Rams did at cornerback improves all phases of their defense, including on the back end at safety, a position they already felt good about.
