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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.
How Dodgers’ Alex Vesia Paid Tribute to Wife Kayla and Late Daughter Sterling in His First Game Following Her Passing
For Kody and Alicia Funderburk, the path to becoming parents didn’t unfold as anticipated.
The Minnesota Twins, who selected MLB pitcher Kody Funderburk in the 2018 draft, recently shared an update about his family. The couple joyfully welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Murphy Jo, amidst challenging circumstances, as Alicia faced a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis during her pregnancy.
The team posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on April 25, celebrating Kody’s return from the Paternity List. They also took the opportunity to highlight the couple’s story with a heartfelt image of them on the baseball field.
In a separate update, the team detailed Alicia’s diagnosis and treatment journey, sharing a photo of her in the hospital. “While pregnant, Alicia, Kody’s wife, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma,” they noted, adding that doctors remain optimistic about her full recovery following chemotherapy treatments.
Amid Alicia’s health battle, the couple safely welcomed their newborn.
“Baby Fundy arrived on Monday, April 20th – a healthy baby girl, Murphy Jo,” the team added. “Both Alicia and Murphy are doing well!”
“We are inspired by the strength and positivity the Funderburks have shown,” they continued, “and we wish them the very best and continue to support them on and off the field.”
Trump cancels Iran peace talks, citing US leverage
In a surprising move, President Donald Trump abruptly called off a planned diplomatic visit to Pakistan, which was aimed at fostering peace talks with Iran. Trump asserted that the United States possesses a strong negotiating position, suggesting that Iranian leaders are free to initiate contact at their convenience. Meanwhile, correspondent Matt Finn sheds light on the stalled negotiations, and retired Navy Captain Brent Sadler examines the increasing U.S. military presence in the Strait of Hormuz, along with new economic sanctions impacting approximately 40 entities tied to Iran’s oil industry in China.
Amidst this diplomatic deadlock, there are signs of upheaval within Iran’s negotiating team. Reports indicate that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a known hardliner, is poised to be replaced by a seasoned conservative who has historically opposed nuclear concessions.
According to Iran International, Saeed Jalili, an influential figure at 60 years old, is expected to take over from Ghalibaf. Jalili currently leads what is often referred to as a “shadow government” and is anticipated to step into Ghalibaf’s role following his abrupt exit due to internal disagreements.
Jalili is also at the helm of the Stability Front (Paydari), a faction recognized for its staunch ultra-conservatism within Iran. This group is often described as a stronghold of hardline principles.
Ali Safavi, an official with the Iranian opposition group National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), informed Fox News Digital that Jalili has transformed from a nuclear negotiator into a significant player within the regime’s inner circles.
Jalili Saeed is expected to succeed Ghalibaf following his sudden departure amid internal disputes.(Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)
Ghalibaf was reportedly forced to step down after attempting to bring the nuclear issue into talks with Washington, a move that triggered backlash within Iran’s political establishment.
President Donald Trump had called off plans for U.S. envoys to travel to Pakistan for peace talks with Iran on April 25.
The rivalry between Jalili and Ghalibaf is said to span more than a decade and intensified during the 2024 elections, when Jalili refused to step aside, contributing to the victory of President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Safavi said, “The increased visibility of latent divisions stems from recurring nationwide uprisings, deep economic crises and the pressures of war, all of which have intensified internal feuding.
“Far from signaling transformation, these developments reflect accelerating erosion and mounting pressure, deepening fractures and leaving the regime ever weaker and more vulnerable,” he added.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Nov. 27, 2024.(Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS)
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is also seeking a continued leading role in negotiations, highlighting competing centers of influence over Iran’s diplomatic strategy, sources said.
Araghchi is in Islamabad, Pakistan, after returning from a short trip to Muscat, Oman, where he is holding high-level diplomatic talks on the conflict. Reports indicate Araghchi will travel to Moscow.
Jalili’s potential appointment, however, signals a hardening of Iran’s stance, with more emphasis on resistance over compromise.
“Within this regime, there are a number of constants espoused by all factions,” Safavi said before highlighting that these were “repression, the export of terrorism and the pursuit of nuclear weapons.”
“The factions all ultimately move along a common path: the preservation of power. They differ in methods, not in objectives,” Safavi cautioned.
Jalili, meanwhile, served as Iran’s top nuclear negotiator from 2007 to 2013 under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and later ran for president three times.(Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Jalili, meanwhile, served as Iran’s top nuclear negotiator from 2007 to 2013 under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and later ran for president three times. He also served as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
A former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Jalili lost his right leg at 21 during the Iran-Iraq War, earning him the title of “Living Martyr”.
The Paydari Front, which he is associated with, opposes engagement with the West — particularly the 2015 nuclear deal — and advocates a doctrine of “active resistance.”
During Hassan Rouhani’s presidency, Jalili also established a “shadow government” to counter the administration’s policies, especially the nuclear deal.
On April 7, he wrote on X: “Yes — ‘infrastructure’ is on the verge of collapse; the infrastructure of domination and the American order. And after that, a better foundation will be built.”
A day earlier, he posted: “‘Shut up’ is not the appropriate response to Trump’s ramblings; let him speak more. Nothing is more effective in laying bare the true nature of the United States than Trump’s outbursts.”
“In dealing with this regime,” Safavi said, “we must bear in mind that in the 45 years since the mullahs consolidated their rule in 1981 by crushing all peaceful political life, so-called reformists have governed for nearly half that time — presiding over some of its darkest crimes.”
“These include the 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners, the assassination of dissidents abroad, the chain murders of intellectuals inside Iran and the relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons.”
Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture.
Almost two and a half centuries after the United States declared its independence, King Charles III is set to visit Washington this week. His trip is aimed at reinforcing the ‘Special Relationship’ between the U.S. and the United Kingdom amidst current national challenges.
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, King Charles III will arrive on Monday for a state visit with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, marking a significant diplomatic engagement.
In light of the security breach during last night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Buckingham Palace released a statement assuring that the King is being kept up to date on the situation and is relieved to know that the President, First Lady, and attendees are safe.
Sir Christian Turner, the British ambassador to the United States, commented on Sunday that they are ‘absolutely expecting’ the royal visit. He added, “It’s very British, keep calm and carry on.”
President Trump addressed the incident on Fox News this morning, confirming that the visit will proceed as scheduled. When questioned about any potential changes to the itinerary or security measures, he praised King Charles as a “great guy” and expressed anticipation for the historic visit.
From April 27 to April 30, the nation’s capital will be transformed into a theater of rigid protocol and red-carpet pageantry. The significance of the visit is underscored by the King’s preparation to address lawmakers – a feat managed only once before by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1991.
Alison Cheperdak, a former Trump White House aide and founder of Elevate Etiquette, notes that the symbolism of this visit is extraordinary given that the descendant of the King America broke away from is coming to mark the anniversary of that very separation. Cheperdak, who is advising the Trumps on the intricate ‘dos and don’ts’ of royal interaction, describes the visit as reconciliation expressed through ceremony.
Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla stand with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the state banquet at Windsor Castle back in September 2025
Trump shakes hands with Britain’s King Charles, as Trump departs Windsor Castle during his last visit
Queen Elizabeth is photographed wearing the brooch (right side) that was gifted to her by First Lady Michelle Obama as President Donald Trump arrived in the United Kingdom for their first meeting
Trump listens as Britain’s King Charles speaks during the state banquet at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of Trump and Melania’s second state visit to the UK last year
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave Kensington Palace to attend the State Banquet for the US State Visit at Buckingham Palace
Tables are set for the Return Dinner at Winfield House, the residence of the Ambassador of the US to the UK, attended by Trump, his wife Melania and hosted by The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, as part of his state visit to the UK
However, beneath the grand gestures of the 21-gun salute – the highest ceremonial honor the United States can offer – lies a potential minefield of social gaffes.
The District’s political elite are being quietly reminded of one important rule: do not initiate physical contact. Cheperdak warns that even well-intentioned gestures can feel out of place under such formal circumstances.
‘Don’t initiate physical contact,’ Cheperdak warns, noting that even well–intentioned gestures can feel out of place. This includes the modern obsession with social media; unlike US politicians, the royals ‘intentionally don’t typically take selfies, sign autographs, or express personal opinions.’
Though historically, Trump has a penchant for breaking those specific rules with foreign leaders.
He isn’t the only one: the ‘no–touch’ rule was famously tested in 2009 when Michelle Obama placed an arm around the Queen.
While Americans are not required to bow or curtsy, Cheperdak suggests a ‘small nod or brief curtsy is a gracious gesture’ for those wishing to bridge the 250–year–old gap with style.
As for the King’s arrival on the South Lawn, it will be a ‘carefully choreographed ceremony’ where even the music is a lesson in diplomacy.
According to protocol, ‘God Save the King’ is played first as a courtesy to the visiting sovereign, followed by ‘The Star–Spangled Banner.’
For those lucky enough to secure an invitation to the April 28 White House State Banquet, the dress code is expected to be black tie – a ‘subtle but telling detail’ that suggests a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the white–tie galas of the past.
Yet, some traditions remain immovable. Guests must address the King as ‘Your Majesty’ initially, then ‘Sir,’ and are cautioned: ‘Don’t walk in front of the King.’
While the late Queen Elizabeth II was famous for her ‘fashion diplomacy,’ all eyes will be on Queen Camilla’s jewelry box.
‘Tiaras are worn only after 6 p.m., and only at the most formal occasions,’ says Cheperdak. ‘But what the Queen chooses will likely carry meaning beyond aesthetics.’
The devil has always been in the details.
Queen Elizabeth II turned ‘brooch diplomacy’ into a masterclass in messaging. Her most famous ‘silent act of resistance’ was wearing a pin gifted by Michelle Obama to meet President Trump in 2018.
Cheperdak is certified in British and North American etiquette – turning all her skills into a thriving consultancy called Elevate Etiquette
State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle during the state visit by President Trump back in 2025
The ‘no–touch’ rule was famously tested in 2009 when Michelle Obama placed an arm around the Queen (Photo by Shutterstock)
A flashback to June 2019, inside Winfield House in London. Melania Trump pictured in a floor length scarlet Givenchy gown to host a reciprocal dinner for the British Royal Family during their first term in office
King Charles III with President Trump at Windsor Castle before formally saying goodbye to the president on day two of their state visit to the UK last year
250 years after America famously broke ties with the British Crown, the King is coming back to reclaim the ‘Special Relationship.’ King Charles III and Queen Camilla will arrive tomorrow for a high–stakes royal visit
However, beneath the grand gestures of the 21–gun salute – the ‘highest ceremonial honor the United States can offer’ – lies a potential minefield of social gaffes
For those lucky enough to secure an invitation to the April 28 White House State Banquet, the dress code is expected to be black tie – a ‘subtle but telling detail’ that suggests a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the white–tie galas of the past
In perhaps one surprising twist for the British royal visit, the traditional garden party – a staple of Buckingham Palace – comes with a modern American style guide.
Leaked invitations detail ‘hats not encouraged’ guidance, which Cheperdak calls ‘quite unusual,’ given that headwear is usually a defining feature of such events.
‘It feels like a thoughtful adjustment for an American setting,’ she points out.
This historic return marks Charles’s first US state visit as monarch, following 19 previous trips as the Prince of Wales.
In ditching the formal fascinators for a more accessible flair, the message is clear: this isn’t just a royal visit, it’s a homecoming.
In a gesture of solidarity, community leaders in Bridgeview, Illinois, have introduced a new “Welcome to Little Palestine” sign, marking a significant moment for the southwest suburbs.
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Despite facing a wave of hateful messages during the initial unveiling, organizers are undeterred, bolstering security to transform this unveiling into a demonstration of resilience and pride.
The sign is a tribute to a vibrant corridor of over 200 Arab-owned businesses that span from Bridgeview to Worth.
The second sign was unveiled at Westfield Plaza on 79th Street.Rush Productions
The latest sign was revealed at Westfield Plaza on 87th Street, adding to the area’s cultural landmarks.
“This unveiling is more than just a sign; it is a proclamation of our identity,” stated Rush Darwish, president of the Arab American Business and Professional Association. “Our community chooses unity, pride, and progress in the face of hate. Little Palestine symbolizes resilience, culture, and economic strength, and we are committed to moving forward together.”
Earlier this month, the first sign was unveiled at 83rd Street and Harlem Avenue.
SEE ALSO | New ‘Little Palestine’ sign unveiled on Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview
HOUSTON — For Lakers coach JJ Redick, the highlight of Bronny James’ debut NBA playoff points wasn’t merely the shot itself, but the confidence it showcased. During Game 3 against the Rockets, James confidently sank a pull-up three-pointer, extending the Lakers’ lead to 50-40 midway through the second quarter.
The significance of this moment lay in James’ ability to overcome any pre-game jitters he may have felt ahead of the first-round playoff series, displaying the assurance needed to attempt such a shot.
The Lakers’ Bronny James has continued to grow during the postseason. NBAE via Getty Images
“Without Luka [Doncic] and Austin Reaves, we can’t afford to pass up on shots and opportunities created,” Redick explained. “Bronny handled himself well offensively during that period. While making shots certainly boosts confidence, his defensive performance during that stretch was equally impressive. He’s shown significant growth since earlier in the season when he began receiving rotation minutes.”
Drafted as the 55th overall pick in 2024, James, the younger son of Lakers legend LeBron James, got a front-row seat to the playoffs last year.
However, with just four minutes of play spread across two games during the Lakers’ first-round exit against the Timberwolves last spring, he didn’t fully experience the intensity of playoff basketball until now.
That changed this season, with the younger James being in the Lakers’ rotation during the postseason entering Sunday’s Game 4 at Toyota Center.
“It’s the best feeling in the world,” Bronny said. “I mean, in college I didn’t get to play in March, so that’s something that’s gonna irk me for the rest of my life. And got to do it in the playoffs, and that’s just the best feeling.”
Bronny admitted to being nervous before his first playoff game.
“I definitely think I’ve gained a little more confidence and relaxed myself … Looking forward to down the road, me getting more minutes and stuff like that. I feel like just me getting playoff time, second stints and stuff like that is just gonna help more and more.”
Bronny James (9) and his dad, LeBron, made NBA history in Game 3 against the host Rockets. AP
James’ first playing stint resulted not only in his first playoff points but also his second.
LeBron threw an alley-oop to Bronny for a reverse layup on the Lakers’ next possession in the second quarter of Game 3, which was the first father-to-son assist in NBA playoffs history.
“I’m not sure when was the last time I got an oop from him,” Bronny said. “Probably in training camp last year, maybe this year. But it was just one of those things; he saw me and saw that I was making eye contact with him, so he threw it up and I can always go get it.”
Bronny’s first stint impressed the Lakers’ coaching staff so much that he played a second stint for the first time during the playoffs against the Rockets in Game 3 after being limited to one stint in Game 1 and Game 2.
“It just says a lot about me and JJ’s relationship, the other coaches in the coaching staff,” Bronny said. “They believe in me. And I appreciate that. And I’m going to take advantage of every minute I get.”
Bronny got regular playing time to close the regular season while Marcus Smart was sidelined for nine games because of an ankle injury before being cemented in the rotation when Doncic (hamstring) and Reaves (oblique) were sidelined to close the regular season.
“He has just gotten a lot better defensively,” Redick said. “His physicality’s been really good. His execution’s been really good and excited for him and just we got to continue to build him up. He’s obviously really important right now.”
An unsettling incident unfolded at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where a man armed with firearms and knives breached the lobby area, creating chaos as he advanced towards the ballroom. The event, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, erupted into panic as Secret Service agents responded to the threat, and guests took cover under tables amid the sound of gunfire.
Fortunately, President Trump remained unharmed during the Saturday evening attack, and he was swiftly escorted from the stage to safety. The suspect, identified as a guest at the Washington Hilton, where the prestigious dinner was being held, was apprehended by authorities and is expected to face the court on Monday. While police confirmed he acted alone, they have not disclosed his intended target or the motive behind his actions.
In a statement made at the White House a couple of hours after the incident, President Trump, still clad in his tuxedo, reflected on the situation, saying, “When you’re impactful, they go after you. When you’re not impactful, they leave you alone.” He noted that officials seemed to believe the assailant acted as a “lone wolf.”
The shooting interrupted what is traditionally a significant event, held to honor the role of journalism and the First Amendment rights of free speech and press in the United States. This year’s dinner drew particular attention as it marked the first occasion President Trump attended since taking office.
It was anticipated to be especially scrutinised this year because it was the first time since Trump became president that he had attended.
Trump told reporters later that he hoped the event would be rescheduled within 30 days, though the fact that an armed man was able to rush toward the ballroom raised instant questions about security precautions at an event attended each year by senior government officials.
Video posted by Trump showed the suspect running past security barricades as Secret Service agents ran toward him. One officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest but was recovering, officials said. The gunman was tackled to the ground and was not injured, but was being evaluated at a hospital, police said.
The shooting suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. He is facing two firearm-related charges, including a count of assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon.
Inside the ballroom, guests scurried for cover at the sound of shots while Secret Service agents, including the heavily-armed counterassault team, swarmed the stage after the incident.
Vice President JD Vance was removed from the room first, while agents initially covered Trump in place before escorting him and first lady Melania Trump from the room. Trump briefly stumbled on the way offstage, before being assisted by his security detail.
He was held for some time in a secure presidential suite at the hotel as the president and organisers initially sought to resume the event — hotel staff refolded napkins and refilled water glasses, and aides adjusted the teleprompter for the president — before Trump was returned to the White House on the advice of the Secret Service.
After an initial attempt to resume, the event was scrapped for the night and will be rescheduled. Source: Getty / Andrew Harnik
It was the third time since 2024 that the president had been under threat by an attacker in his immediate vicinity — including the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, that injured him and killed a local firefighter.
“Today we need levels of security that probably nobody has ever seen before,” the president said. But he also said, “We’re not going to let anybody take over our society.”
FBI Director Kash Patel, flanking Trump, said the agency is examining a long gun and shell casings recovered from the scene, as well as interviewing witnesses from the dinner. He urged anyone with information to come forward.
Dinner turns to disorder
Guests were dining on a spring pea and burrata salad when noise began — noise Trump said he initially thought was a tray dropping but some journalists believed were five to eight gunshots.
The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the room as guests ducked under tables by the hundreds. Audible gasps echoed through the ballroom as guests realised something was happening; hundreds of journalists immediately got on phones to call in information.
“Out of the way, sir!” someone yelled. Others yelled to duck. From one corner, a “God Bless America” chant began as the president was escorted offstage. Outside the hotel, members of the National Guard and other authorities flooded the area as helicopters circled overhead.
After an initial attempt to resume, the event was scrapped for the night and will be rescheduled.
“We will do this again,” said Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association. Shortly afterward, staff began breaking down table settings and the presidential lectern.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he and his wife, Kelly, who both attended the event, were “praying for our country tonight.” The House Democratic leader, Hakeem Jeffries, wrote on social media: “The violence and chaos in America must end.”
The banquet hall — where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders were awaiting Trump’s remarks — was immediately evacuated. Members of the National Guard took up position inside the building as people were allowed to leave but not immediately reenter. Security outside was also extremely tight.
Republican Mike Lawler, a guest at the dinner, said he heard a pop and “we didn’t know what the hell it was. And then you heard all sorts of things clatter.” Lawler said he gets “death threats often” and said, “I think we live in a climate where everybody recognises it’s a problem, but I don’t think people fully appreciate how much of a problem it really is.”
The event had initially appeared set to resume after the disorder. Servers refolded napkins and refilled water glasses in preparation for Trump’s return. Another worker prepared the president’s teleprompter for the remarks he was scheduled to make.
Bloomberg White House correspondent Courtney Subramanian (centre) and others work from the ballroom following the security scare. Source: Getty / Andrew Harnik
Generally, the Hilton hotel, where the dinner has taken place for years, remains open to regular guests during the correspondents’ dinner, and security has typically been focused on the ballroom rather than the hotel at large, with little screening for people not entering the dinner itself. In past years, that has created openings for disruptions in the lobby and other public spaces, including protests in which security moved to remove guests who unfurled banners or staged demonstrations.
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr outside the Hilton — an event that prompted redesigns of the property that increased security and added a special presidential suite near the entrance where chief executives could be taken. Trump was dispatched there briefly after the incident Saturday night.
Event would have highlighted Trump’s relationship with the press
Trump’s attendance at the annual dinner in Washington for his first time as president was expected to put his administration’s often-contentious relationship with the press on full public display.
Trump arrived to an event where the leaders of a nation at war mingled with celebrities, journalists and even a puppet — Triumph the Insult Comic Dog — in a dinner that typically generates debate about whether the relationship between journalists and their sources should include socialising together and putting aside sometimes adversarial relationships.
Security outside the event was extremely tight. Source: Getty / Bloomberg/Stefani Reynolds
Trump was being watched closely at the event held by the organisation of reporters who cover him and his administration. Past presidents who have attended have generally spoken about the importance of free speech and the First Amendment, adding in some light roasts about individual journalists.
The Republican president did not attend during his first term or the first year of his second. He came as a guest in 2011, sitting in the audience as President Barack Obama, a Democrat, made some jokes about the New York real estate developer. Trump also attended as a private citizen in 2015.
In a significant turn of events, former President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Iran has decided not to carry out the execution of eight women who were involved in anti-regime protests. This decision came after Trump made a public appeal for their release just the previous day.
“Great news! I’ve just received confirmation that the eight female protestors, who were slated for execution tonight in Iran, will not face this fate,” Trump shared in a post on Truth Social, expressing his relief and satisfaction with the outcome.
Reports indicate that four of the women are set to be released immediately, while the other four will remain in custody but will only serve a one-month prison sentence. This development marks a significant shift in the situation for these women, who were facing severe consequences for their involvement in the protests.
Trump expressed his gratitude towards Iran for reconsidering their decision, stating, “I am very appreciative that Iran, along with its leaders, honored my request.” His intervention seems to have played a crucial role in altering the course of events.
This announcement was made amidst Trump’s ongoing engagements, as seen when he addressed the media on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., back in April 2026. The image of this moment, captured by Anna Moneymaker for Getty Images, underscores the continued influence and presence of Trump on the international stage.
Trump previously said on social media Tuesday that releasing the women could work in Iran’s favor during negotiations scheduled later that day, when he ultimately announced an extension of a two-week ceasefire.
“To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women,” Trump said Tuesday, responding to an activist’s post on X that included photos of eight unidentified women.
“I am sure that they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm! Would be a great start to our negotiations!!!”
Iran’s judiciary, however, quickly responded to Trump’s claims, denying that the women ever faced execution, according to Middle East-focused media outlet New Arab.
“Trump was misled once again by fake news,” the judiciary’s official Mizan Online website said. “The women who were claimed to be on the verge of execution, some of them have been released, while others face charges that, if convictions are upheld, would at most result in imprisonment.”
Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2026.(UGC/AP)
According to human rights groups, Iran reportedly last week scheduled the execution of a female protester linked to the January uprising, marking Tehran’s first publicly reported death penalty case involving a woman.
She was identified as Bita Hemmati and is among the eight women Trump said will no longer face capital punishment.
Hemmati was originally sentenced in a collective case alongside her husband and neighbors, the National Council of Resistance of Iran said.
On Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, the group allegedly threw objects such as concrete blocks and incendiary materials from rooftops, injured security forces and engaged in anti-regime “propaganda” in an effort to undermine security, according to federal authorities.
Demonstrators ignite a fire in the middle of the street during an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2026.(UGC/AP)
One Iranian journalist reported the identities of the other women in a post on X, claiming the defendants are as young as 16 years old.
One victim in particular, identified as Mahboubeh Shabani, 33, was accused of providing assistance to demonstrators injured during January’s uprising, according to the Norway-based Hengaw rights group.
The women’s rulings are among the latest in a series of punishments issued amid a broader government crackdown on dissent.
Rights groups say thousands of protesters may have been killed since demonstrations erupted earlier this year.
Bonny Chu is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital.
An individual has been celebrated as an unlikely hero after he sprang into action to shield President Donald Trump when gunfire erupted at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Footage capturing the tense moment, which has quickly gained widespread attention, shows the man—currently unidentified—responding with remarkable swiftness.
As the sound of gunfire reverberated through the lower lobby of the Washington Hilton, the man didn’t seek cover. Instead, he courageously leapt toward Trump, positioning himself as a protective barrier against the potential threat.
A compelling image from the scene, albeit grainy, captures the man airborne, enveloping the President while he is hurriedly escorted to safety backstage.
Authorities have named the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Allen from Torrance, California. He allegedly breached security armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
Allen was tackled by agents after a brief but terrifying exchange of gunfire in the hotel lobby.
One Secret Service officer was shot at close range during the melee. In what many are calling a miracle, the bullet was stopped by his ballistic vest.
President Trump later praised the officer’s bravery, stating from the White House: ‘He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job.’ ‘I just spoke to the officer and he’s doing great.’
As the first pops of gunfire echoed through the subterranean lobby of the Washington Hilton, the man did not duck; instead, he lunged toward President Trump, using his own body as a human shield to block the Commander-in-Chief from potential fire
Footage shows guests in tuxedos and evening gowns huddled under tables as Secret Service patrol the ballroom floor
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner – Washington’s most glitzy ‘nerd prom’ – descended into a scene of blood-curdling chaos last night
The ballroom, filled with the nation’s top journalists, Hollywood celebrities, and Cabinet members including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, became a scene of pure pandemonium.
Footage shows guests in tuxedos and evening gowns huddled under tables as Secret Service patrol the ballroom floor.
The incident occurred at the same hotel where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981 – an eerie historical parallel that was not lost on those in attendance.
Just like Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy, the agent who took a bullet for Reagan 45 years ago, last night’s ‘hero agent’ is being celebrated across social media for his ‘extraordinary courage.’
Trump, still wearing his tuxedo, addressed the nation just two hours later. ‘When you’re impactful, they go after you,’ he said defiantly. ‘They seem to think he was a lone wolf. We’re not going to let anybody take over our society.’
The White House has confirmed that the dinner will be rescheduled within 30 days, promising an event that is ‘bigger and better.’
But for now, Washington remains on high alert as it grapples with yet another attempt on the President’s life.
Meantime, the family of the suspect who stormed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has revealed his past radical statements and his plans to ‘fix’ the world as his manifesto is uncovered.
A grainy but powerful still from the footage showing the man jumping mid-air, covering the President as he is ushered toward the backstage exit
Patel did not take cover under the table like others, remaining upright as he told those at his table to stay down
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, a teacher from Torrance, California, was seen attempting to bolt past a security checkpoint while armed with a shotgun, a handgun and several knives on Saturday night.
He exchanged fire with Secret Service agents before they tackled him to the ground and arrested him. One agent was struck in his bulletproof vest and is expected to recover. No one else was harmed.
Authorities have now discovered that Allen wrote a chilling manifesto before he arrived at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the dinner was being hosted.
Allen’s family members told law enforcement that he had sent them some of his disturbing writings before the attack, which prompted his brother to alert police. The writings did not specifically mention the dinner on Saturday, CBS News reported.
Allen’s brother notified the New London Police Department in Connecticut of the manifesto minutes before the attack, a White House official confirmed to CNN.
Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News that he had heard about the report and wished the department had informed federal authorities earlier.
US Secret Service and Montgomery County Police also interviewed the suspect’s sister in Rockville, Maryland, a White House official told CNN.
No fancy equipment required: a fitness expert reveals five towel exercises to revitalize arm strength for individuals over 55.
Many of my clients over the age of 55 approach me seeking guidance on enhancing their arm strength. It’s common for upper body workouts to fall by the wayside, and often by the time people decide to focus on it, they’ve lost more strength than they anticipated. With nearly four decades of personal training experience and two decades dedicated to mentoring future personal trainers at TRAINFITNESS, the UK’s premier PT training provider, I’ve seen this time and again.
The great news is that arm muscles are quick to respond to targeted exercise, and you don’t need a gym stuffed with machines to see progress. A simple bath towel combined with regular practice can significantly boost your arm strength. Here are five effective towel exercises that allow you to strengthen your arms without the need for dumbbells.
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Why Arm Strength Fades After 55
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The biggest struggle is that most people over 55 haven’t loaded their arms with any meaningful resistance in decades. Lifting light shopping bags, stirring a pot, and typing don’t count as training. Your biceps, triceps, shoulders, and forearms have been getting weaker year after year, and because the decline is slow, nobody notices until they can’t open a jar, struggle to lift a suitcase into an overhead locker, or find that carrying grandchildren leaves them aching the next day.
The second struggle is grip strength, which is strongly linked to overall health and longevity. Research shows grip strength is one of the best predictors of how well we age. Most older adults lose grip strength progressively from their 50s onwards, and this feeds into a loss of arm strength because you can’t lift or hold what your hands can’t grip properly.
Joint niggles are a big factor too. Shoulders, elbows, and wrists all tend to carry some wear and tear by the time people reach 55, which makes them nervous about heavy weights or overhead pressing. This fear is understandable, but it often tips into avoidance, which is the thing that actually makes the joints worse in the long run. Muscles that aren’t being trained can’t support the joint properly, and stiffness gets worse with less use.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
Where traditional approaches sometimes fall short is that they’re usually built around dumbbells, barbells or machines. These are excellent tools when used well, but they have barriers. You need to own them, or pay to access them. You need to know which weight to pick up. You have to load your joints through a fixed range with a fixed load, which isn’t always kind to older shoulders and elbows. And the jump between dumbbell weights (often 2kg gaps) can be huge when you’re rebuilding from a low base. Traditional approaches also tend to be quite isolating, working one muscle at a time, when older adults generally benefit more from exercises that train the whole arm and the surrounding stabilizers together.
Why a Towel Works So Well
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The magic of a towel is that you control the resistance yourself. When you pull a towel tight between your two hands, the force is exactly what you put into it. If a movement starts to feel too much, you ease off slightly. If it feels too easy, you pull harder. This is called isometric or self-resisted training, and for people over 55, it’s ideal because you can never go beyond what your body is ready to handle. There’s no weight that’s too heavy, no equipment that forces your joint into an awkward position.
Towels also add grip training to every single rep. Your hands and forearms are constantly working to keep hold of the fabric, which builds the grip strength that’s been declining for years. Compare that to a dumbbell, which sits comfortably in your palm and barely challenges the grip at all.
Because the resistance is self-generated, your body naturally stops pushing when something doesn’t feel right. With external weights, you can load a weak or injured joint without realizing it until you feel it the next day. With a towel, your nervous system acts as its own safety brake.
Accessibility matters more than people think. A bath towel is already in your home. There’s no cost, no storage, no need to book a gym, and no weather excuse. You can train in your living room, on holiday, or sitting in a hotel chair. For people over 55 who are trying to build a new habit, removing every possible barrier is enormously helpful. The people who stick with training long term are almost always the ones who made it easy to start.
Finally, towel work trains both the pushing and pulling muscles in the same exercise, because one arm has to resist the other. This is brilliantly efficient and means you’re strengthening opposing muscle groups in a balanced way, which is exactly what aging shoulders and elbows need.
Towel Bicep Curl (Self-Resisted)
This builds the biceps and forearms together while working both arms simultaneously. The arm curling up gets a standard bicep curl, while the arm pushing down gets a tricep and shoulder workout. Two muscle groups are trained in one movement, with zero joint stress.
Sit or stand tall with a towel held between both hands, arms at your sides, palms facing up.
Keep your left hand stationary down by your left hip, resisting the upward movement.
Curl your right hand up towards your right shoulder, pulling the towel against the resistance of the left hand.
Go slowly, taking around 3 seconds up and 3 seconds down.
Complete 8 to 10 reps on the right, then switch roles (left arm curls, right arm resists).
Recommended Sets and Reps: 2 to 3 sets on each side, 8 to 10 reps
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Letting the elbow of the curling arm drift forward or flare outwards. Keep the elbow pinned against your ribs throughout the movement, as if you had a newspaper trapped between your elbow and your side.
Using the shoulder to cheat the rep. If the elbow moves away from your ribs, the biceps get less of the work.
Form Tip: Think “newspaper under the elbow” throughout every rep.
Towel Tricep Extension
The triceps make up around two-thirds of your upper arm, and they’re what give you the pushing power for things like getting up from a chair with your arms, pushing a door open, or lifting something off a high shelf. They’re also where the “bingo wing” softness shows up, which a lot of people over 55 want to address. This version trains them without any overhead loading that could aggravate a stiff shoulder.
Muscles Trained: Triceps, shoulders
How to Do It:
Hold a towel behind your back, with one hand up between your shoulder blades (palm facing away from your body) and the other hand down in the small of your back (palm facing towards your body), gripping the towel.
Keep the bottom hand locked in place as an anchor.
Straighten the top arm upwards, as if you were trying to point at the ceiling, pulling the towel against the resistance of the bottom hand.
Lower slowly back down.
Complete 8 to 10 reps, then switch arms.
Recommended Sets and Reps: 2 to 3 sets on each side, 8 to 10 reps
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Letting the top elbow flare out to the side, turning the movement into a shoulder exercise rather than a tricep one. Keep the upper arm close to your head; only the forearm should move.
Forcing the range of motion if you can’t get your arm up behind your back comfortably. Start with just your hand on your shoulder and build the range gradually.
Form Tip: Only the forearm moves. The upper arm stays close to your head the whole time.
Towel Row
Rowing is one of the most useful movements for older adults because it trains the upper back, rear shoulders, and biceps all at once. Strong upper back muscles pull the shoulders into better posture, which reduces neck and shoulder pain and counteracts years of hunching over screens. The pulling action also mimics real-life tasks like starting a lawnmower, opening a heavy drawer, or pulling a suitcase.
Sit on a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor. Loop a towel around the soles of both feet, holding one end in each hand.
Sit tall with your chest up and shoulders back.
Keeping your elbows close to your ribs, pull the towel handles back towards your hips while pushing your feet firmly into the towel to create resistance.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the pull.
Slowly release back to the start position.
Recommended Sets and Reps: 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Rounding the upper back and letting the shoulders roll forward during the pull. Imagine someone has a piece of string pulling the crown of your head up to the ceiling throughout the movement. Keep the chest lifted and the spine tall.
Using the lower back to jerk the towel backward. The movement should come from the arms and upper back, not a rocking of the torso.
Form Tip: Keep the chest lifted and imagine a string pulling the crown of your head toward the ceiling.
Towel Chest Press
This targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps together, which are the muscles you use for pushing. Pushing strength is what gets you off the floor if you fall, pushes a heavy door open, or helps you out of the bath. It’s one of the most commonly neglected movement patterns in people over 55 because there’s nothing in day-to-day life that really trains it.
Muscles Trained: Chest, shoulders, triceps
How to Do It:
Hold the towel stretched between both hands in front of your chest, with your elbows bent at 90 degrees and your upper arms roughly parallel to the floor.
Pull outwards on the towel hard, as if you were trying to rip it apart. Keep that tension throughout the movement.
While maintaining the outward pull, press both arms forward until your elbows are almost fully extended.
Slowly bring your hands back towards your chest, keeping the tension on the towel the whole time.
Recommended Sets and Reps: 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Losing the outward tension on the towel halfway through the rep. The towel should feel tight throughout the entire movement. If you feel it go slack, you’ve stopped pulling.
Hunching the shoulders up around the ears. Keep the shoulders pulled down and away from your ears throughout the press.
Form Tip: If the towel goes slack at any point, you’ve lost the exercise. Keep pulling it apart the entire time.
Towel Pull-Apart
This is the exercise that targets the rear shoulders and upper back, which are almost universally weak in older adults. Strong rear shoulders protect the shoulder joint itself, improve posture dramatically, and reduce the risk of rotator cuff problems. Most arm injuries in older adults start with weak rear shoulders failing to stabilize the joint during other movements.
Hold the towel stretched taut between your hands, arms extended straight out in front of you at shoulder height, hands slightly wider than shoulder width.
Keeping your arms straight (a soft bend in the elbow is fine), pull the towel apart by drawing your hands out to the sides.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together as if you were trying to trap a pencil between them.
Your arms should end up out to the sides, almost in a T-shape, though the exact range depends on your shoulder flexibility.
Slowly return to the start position with the towel still taut.
Recommended Sets and Reps: 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Shrugging the shoulders up to the ears as you pull the towel apart, which recruits the neck muscles and largely bypasses the rear shoulders and upper back.
Feel the exercise in your neck rather than your upper back. If that’s happening, you’re shrugging.
Form Tip: Before you start each rep, actively pull your shoulders down and away from your ears, then keep them there throughout.
How Often to Train and How Long Each Session Takes
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For someone new to arm training, three sessions per week is the sweet spot. That’s enough stimulus to build strength and enough recovery between sessions for the muscles to adapt. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday work well for most people. The other days can be used for walking, gentle mobility work, or full rest.
Each session should take around 20 to 25 minutes once you’re familiar with the movements. Start with 2 sets of each exercise for the first 2 weeks, then build to 3 sets as your body adapts. Between sets, rest for around 60 to 90 seconds.
These work brilliantly as a standalone routine if arm strength and upper body function are your main focus. Three sessions a week of this will produce meaningful results on their own.
That said, they work even better alongside lower body and core training. A sensible structure might be two sessions of this towel routine and one full-body session, or alternating upper body towel work with lower body work (squats, sit-to-stands, step-ups) on opposite days. The arms don’t exist in isolation. A stronger body overall supports everything the arms do.
If you already walk regularly or do some form of cardiovascular exercise, this routine slots in alongside that without any problem. Just don’t do the towel work straight after a long walk if your grip is already tired, as your forearms won’t be able to give you their best effort.
What to Expect After 4 to 6 Weeks
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You’ll see results in the first week or two, but it’s almost all neural at first instead of physical. You’re just becoming better at using your existing muscles. You’ll notice that your exercises become more fluid, and you can increase tension against the towel even though you see no visible changes in your arms at this stage. This is actually your nervous system activating muscle fibers that haven’t been used in years.
By weeks two to three, you’ll find that your daily tasks are much easier. Opening those stubborn jars. Picking up grocery bags. Lifting your grandkids doesn’t leave you sore the next day. You’ll notice improvements in your grip, and many people will be asking you what you have been doing with your arms. You will also find that you can increase the tension against the towel without feeling fatigued, which shows that the muscles are actually getting stronger.
From weeks four to six, you will begin to see changes, and you’ll also notice that your arms feel firmer to the touch, with the backs of your arms feeling tighter and less flappy. Your shoulders will appear more square than rounded as the muscles supporting your upper back become more powerful, and your posture improves. You may also notice that your clothes fit differently, particularly the sleeves or anything tight across your shoulders.
The best way to tell that these exercises work is to feel as if you can progressively pull harder against the towel as the weeks pass. Every week, you should be able to generate more tension, hold the position for longer, or get more reps without breaking good form. If you find yourself at the same effort level for weeks with no improvement in tension, something else is not right (likely nutrition, sleep, or consistency). The other obvious sign that your arms are getting stronger is that you notice changes in everyday tasks. You can carry the shopping in one go. You can lift a suitcase into the overhead luggage compartment without having a struggle. And getting out of the bath no longer requires shaking arms.
Remember, major visible changes in body composition don’t happen in 4 to 6 weeks, so it’s not possible to see your upper arms shrink or for loose skin to disappear during this period. Any visible changes take more time, and they are largely controlled by nutrition rather than exercise. The outcome we can achieve in 4 to 6 weeks is better, more functionally useful arms that cope better with the requirements of daily life, rather than just a cosmetic goal.
As Season 3 of Tracker approaches its finale, Colter Shaw, portrayed by Justin Hartley, delves more into his family’s mysterious past while tackling new missing person cases and navigating the wilderness.
The synopsis for Episode 18, titled “Alaskan Wild,” reveals: “In his quest to learn more about his father, Colter gets involved in the perplexing case of a young boy’s missing parents, unearthing a perilous situation that is more intricate than it initially seems.”
Wondering who else joins the cast in this episode of Tracker Season 3, crafted by writers Travis Donnelly and Dominique A. Holmes and directed by Dave Barrett? According to preview images, “Alaskan Wild” will feature performances from Brad Beyer, Levi Meaden, Lillian Doucet-Rouche, and Marie Ward. Don’t miss it!
Is Tracker airing tonight, Sunday, April 26? What time does Tracker air, and how can you catch Season 3, Episode 18 live on CBS or online? How extensive is Season 3, and is there a possibility of a Season 4 on CBS? We have the details you need!
Is Tracker On Tonight (4/26/26)? Tracker Season 3, Episode 18 Premiere Date:
Absolutely! Tracker Season 3, Episode 18, will air on Sunday, April 26, on CBS.
What Time Is Tracker On Tonight? Tracker Season 3, Episode 18 Premiere Time:
Faithful Tracker fans know that premiere times for re-runs and new episodes vary, but if you’re wondering what time to tune in on Sunday, April 26, Episode 18 premieres on CBS from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, right after a new episode of Marshals.
How Many Episodes Are In Tracker Season 3?
There were 13 episodes in Tracker Season 1, and Tracker Season 2 featured 20 episodes. But we’re excited to report that Tracker Season 3 will consist of a series-high 22 episodes!
Will There Be A Tracker Season 4?
We’ve got good news, Tracker fans. In case you missed it, Tracker got an early Season 4 renewal back in January, which makes sense, considering the network still celebrates it as the No. 1 show on broadcast television. While an official Season 4 release day has yet to be announced, if Tracker sticks to past schedules fans can likely expect new episodes in the fall. Stay tuned for more updates as Season 3 progresses!
Photo: Photo: Sergei Bachlakov/CBS
Where To StreamTracker: Paramount+ Streaming Info
Curious if Tracker Season 1, Season 2, and new Season 3 episodes are streaming on Paramount+? You bet!
Paramount+ offers two subscription plans, Essential and Premium. The ad-supported Essential plan costs $8.99/month, while the ad-free Premium plan (which comes with Showtime titles and live CBS) costs $13.99/month.
Is Tracker On Hulu?
If you’re hoping to stream new episodes of Tracker Season 3 on Hulu the day after they air on CBS, you’re out of luck. However, if you want to catch up on Tracker Season 1 and Season 2, all 33 episodes are available to stream on the platform. Here’s how!
If you’re new to Hulu, you can get started with a 30-day free trial on the streamer’s basic (with ads) plan. After the trial period, you’ll pay $10.99/month. If you want to upgrade to Hulu ad-free, it costs $18.99/month.
If you want to stream even more and save a few bucks a month while you’re at it, we recommend subscribing to one of the Disney+ Bundles, all of which include Hulu. These bundles start at $12.99/month for ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu and goes up to $32.99/month for Disney+, Hulu, and Max, all ad-free.
Stay tuned for more Tracker Season 3 coverage from Decider.
