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Artemis II’s Moon Mission: The Strategic Choice to Orbit, Not Land, and How It Compares to Apollo

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Artemis II’s Moon Mission: The Strategic Choice to Orbit, Not Land, and How It Compares to Apollo

After more than 50 years since NASA’s last Apollo mission, astronauts are gearing up for a monumental journey back to the moon. This time, however, they won’t be landing.

On Wednesday, the Artemis II mission will see four crew members embark on a 10-day voyage that will take them past the moon, venturing further into space than any humans have gone since the Apollo era.

This mission serves as a vital test of NASA’s deep-space capabilities, focusing on a crewed lunar flyby to ensure the readiness of their systems for future moon landings.

The crew will be launched into space aboard the Space Launch System rocket, with the Orion spacecraft initially entering Earth’s orbit. From there, it will follow a meticulously planned “free-return” trajectory around the moon.

The NASA Artemis II rocket with the Orion spacecraft leaving the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center.

On March 20, 2026, the Artemis II rocket, equipped with the Orion spacecraft, slowly made its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building to pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Credit: Terry Renna/AP Photo)

Scientists said the route uses the combined gravitational forces of Earth and the moon to carry the spacecraft around the far side of the moon and safely back home without requiring major course corrections.

Artemis II will mark the first time astronauts fly aboard both the Orion spacecraft and the SLS rocket, making it a key demonstration of NASA’s human deep-space capabilities.

The mission will test how well the spacecraft and its systems work with astronauts on board, including navigation, life support and communication far from Earth.

NASA Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket on launch pad

The NASA Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft is seen at Launch Complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center, on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. (AP/John Raoux)

It also will give NASA a better understanding of how crews operate during deep space travel, officials said.

Astronauts will take part in experiments during the flight, including one called A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response (AVATAR), which uses “organ-on-a-chip” technology to study how radiation and weightlessness affect the body.

Astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, and Victor Glover standing together at Kennedy Space Center

Astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, and Victor Glover attend a welcome ceremony at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 27, 2026, ahead of the Artemis II mission launch scheduled for April 1, 2026. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP)

NASA claims Artemis II is a necessary step before attempting a moon landing on a future mission. 

By proving the spacecraft and crew can safely travel to deep space and back, the mission moves the agency closer to returning humans to the lunar surface — and eventually sending astronauts to Mars.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

Smiling Suspect with Unique Head Shape Charged in Tragic Break-in: 2-Year-Old Killed, Grandparents Injured

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Smiling Suspect with Unique Head Shape Charged in Tragic Break-in: 2-Year-Old Killed, Grandparents Injured

Left: Bles’Syn Lightner (Buggs Funeral Home). Right: Clifford Long (Brevard County Jail).

A tragic incident unfolded in Florida when a 37-year-old man allegedly broke into a family home and fatally shot a 2-year-old girl, leaving her grandparents injured. The suspect, Clifford Long, faces charges of first-degree murder for the death of Bles’Syn Lightner, along with two counts of attempted murder.

According to the Melbourne Police Department, officers responded to a shooting at a residence on Poplar Lane around 10:40 p.m. on August 29. Upon arrival, they discovered a 48-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man with serious gunshot wounds. Despite their injuries, both were conscious. Tragically, the officers found young Bles’Syn in a bedroom with a gunshot wound to her forehead. She was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

At the time of the incident, four additional adults and two other children were present in the home, but they were unharmed. Bles’Syn had recently celebrated her second birthday, just four days before the shooting. She lived in the home with her parents, who were attending a concert at the time, and her grandparents. Investigators noted there were no signs of forced entry, and initially, the surviving victims claimed they did not know the assailant.

However, during later interviews, the male victim identified the shooter as Clifford Long, who is reportedly known by the nickname “Goof.” The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to this heartbreaking crime.

But in subsequent interviews, the male victim identified the shooter as Long, who is known as “Goof.”

“It is worth noting, Clifford Long’s appearance identically matches [the victim’s] description of the suspect as being a tall, thin, light-skinned [B]lack male with a head shaped ‘like a football,’” investigators wrote.

The surviving male said he saw Long shooting his granddaughter before he stepped over the girl’s body and started firing at him, according to the affidavit.

Long later allegedly admitted to his brother that he killed the girl, saying “They wouldn’t come off that money,” indicating that the possible motive for the shooting was related to a robbery or drugs. He also allegedly told his brother that he didn’t mean to kill Bles’Syn.

About a week after the shooting, Long and his brother allegedly stabbed a homeless man over 30 times and chopped off his finger with a machete over a drug-related dispute.

When interviewed by cops about the alleged murder, he denied involvement and claimed he was at a gas station at the time of the crime. He said he knew Bles’Syn’s father but did not know the family very well, though he heard about what happened.

“To be honest with you, I didn’t shed a tear but my condolences to the family,” he said, per cops.

Long has been in the Brevard County Jail for the machete attack since September. He remains behind bars without bond. His next court date is set for May 20.

 

Meet Mackenyu Arata: The Actor Behind Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece Live-Action Adaptation

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Mackenyu Arata, the Japanese-American actor renowned for his role as the swordsman Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s acclaimed live-action adaptation of One Piece, has reprised his role for the eagerly anticipated Season 2, which premiered on March 10, 2026.

Famed for his remarkable physical transformation and adept martial arts skills, Mackenyu has disclosed that the cast is aware of the series’ intended conclusion. Creator Eiichiro Oda has mapped out a particular storyline to reach before the actors reach the age of 50.

Mackenyu Arata: Who Is the Roronoa Zoro Actor in Netflix's One Piece Live-Action

Who Is Mackenyu Arata? Early Life and Background

Born as Mackenyu Maeda on November 16, 1996, in Los Angeles’ vibrant Little Tokyo district, he is the offspring of the iconic Japanese action star Sonny Chiba (known as Shin’ichi Chiba) and Tamami Chiba.

Having grown up in the United States, Mackenyu attended the Advanced Placement program at Beverly Hills High School. In 2015, he relocated to Japan to embark on a professional acting career, opting for the stage name “Arata” inspired by his role in Chihayafuru. This choice reflects his desire to forge his own path in the industry rather than lean on his father’s celebrated legacy.

Mackenyu Arata Age, Height, and Physical Stats

As of March 2026, the 29-year-old Mackenyu stands approximately 176–178 cm (around 5 feet 9.5 inches) tall and has a blood type of B. Trained from a young age in various martial arts disciplines such as Kyokushin Karate, wrestling, and Yabusame (traditional Japanese horseback archery), he boasts a physique well-suited for dynamic action roles.

His striking features and green hair (for Zoro) have become iconic among One Piece fans worldwide.

How Mackenyu Transformed His Body for Zoro Role

For One Piece Season 2, Mackenyu underwent an intense physical regimen that stunned fans and co-stars alike. Trainer Lloyd Naicker revealed Mackenyu trained seven days a week, three hours per session, following a strict meal plan.

The actor sometimes trained at 2 a.m. after night shoots. Co-star Taz Skylar (Sanji) praised Mackenyu’s physique at a Rotten Tomatoes interview, calling it “inspiring.” For Season 3, Naicker promises Mackenyu “will look even more incredible.”

Mackenyu Arata’s Rise to Fame – Career Highlights Before One Piece

Mackenyu’s career began with small roles in Japanese television as early as 2005. After relocating to Japan in 2015, he gained attention through Kamen Rider Drive: Surprise Future (2015).

His Hollywood debut came with Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) as Cadet Ryoichi. He has since built an impressive portfolio spanning both Japanese and international productions, demonstrating fluency in English and Japanese a rare asset for cross-cultural stardom.

Breakthrough Role in Chihayafuru Trilogy and Japan Academy Award

Mackenyu’s breakout came with the live-action Chihayafuru trilogy (2016–2018), where he portrayed Arata Wataya, a karuta prodigy. The role earned him the Japan Academy Film Prize for Newcomer of the Year in 2017 Japan’s equivalent of an Oscar for emerging talent.

This recognition established him as a serious actor beyond his family connections. He later reprised the role in Chihayafuru: Full Circle (2025), demonstrating the character’s lasting significance in his career.

Mackenyu Arata as Roronoa Zoro in Netflix One Piece

Mackenyu was cast as Roronoa Zoro in November 2021 for Netflix’s live-action One Piece adaptation. Season 1 premiered in 2023 to critical acclaim, with Mackenyu praised for embodying the pirate hunter’s stoic demeanor and three-sword style.

Season 2 released March 10, 2026, with Season 3 already confirmed. Mackenyu performs his own stunts showrunner Steven Maeda noted the stunt team had to slow him down because he moved “too fast and too strong.”

Mackenyu Arata Personal Life – Wife, Marriage, and Family

Mackenyu announced his marriage on January 22, 2023, through his fan club. His wife is a non-celebrity woman reportedly seven years older than him, a former actress whose name remains undisclosed.

The couple welcomed their first child in late July 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mackenyu maintains strict privacy about his family life, never sharing photos or details about his wife or child on social media a deliberate choice to separate public persona from personal life.

Mackenyu’s net worth is estimated at approximately $5 million, accumulated through his extensive filmography, brand endorsements, and Netflix’s One Piece. He serves as brand ambassador for GATSBY men’s grooming products.

His official Instagram handle is @mackenyu, where he posts project updates and occasional behind-the-scenes content though he shares minimal personal information. He maintains a Twitter account under @Mackenyu1116.

Other Interesting Facts About Mackenyu Arata

Mackenyu possesses remarkable versatility beyond acting. He is proficient in Yabusame (horseback archery) from age seven and earned third place at US Kyokushin Karate Nationals in middle school. In high school, he competed in wrestling, water polo, and gymnastics.

He plays piano, saxophone, and flute. In 2025, he debuted in voice acting and likeness for Assassin’s Creed Shadows as Gennojo. He has stated his childhood dream was to open a small cinema in rural Japan.

Iran Dismisses Trump’s Ceasefire Assertion as ‘False and Baseless

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Iran Dismisses Trump’s Ceasefire Assertion as ‘False and Baseless

The United States has put forward a comprehensive 15-point proposal to Iran, aiming to establish a ceasefire. Key elements of this plan include reopening a critical strait and scaling back Iran’s nuclear activities.

While Iran maintains that its nuclear pursuits are purely peaceful, an Iranian official, speaking anonymously to the nation’s English-language state broadcaster last week, outlined Tehran’s conditions for ending hostilities. Among these is the insistence on maintaining sovereignty over the strategic strait.

During a conversation with Al Jazeera, Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the US Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, had sent direct communications. However, Araghchi emphasized that these exchanges did not amount to formal negotiations, expressing skepticism about the possibility of fruitful dialogue with the US. “The trust level is at zero,” he remarked.

Araghchi further cautioned against any potential US military action, stating, “we are waiting for them,” underscoring Iran’s readiness to respond to any ground offensive.

He warned against any US attempt to launch a ground offensive, saying “we are waiting for them.”

In a deal ostensibly to give diplomacy a chance, US officials have given “clear assurances” that Araghchi and Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf won’t be targeted, according to three officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they’re not authorised to speak publicly about the matter.

PK Kemsley’s Surprising New Romance: What Dorit Needs to Know!

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PK Kemsley’s Surprising New Romance: What Dorit Needs to Know!

Dorit Kemsley’s former husband, PK Kemsley, seems to have found love once more.

The 58-year-old British entrepreneur, who ended his marriage to Dorit, 49, in a high-profile 2024 divorce that sent ripples through The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills community, is reportedly involved with someone new.

According to TMZ, PK is now romantically linked to Tatiana Kharchylava, a creative executive based in London. Their introduction was facilitated by Boy George.

Insiders connected to the couple reveal that their paths crossed last year during an artistic project in London.

The pair is currently navigating a long-distance relationship, with PK making frequent trips to London to see Tatiana.

The duo were also seen dining at Mr. Chow’s in Beverly Hills alongside the owner’s daughter China.  

Dorit Kemsley's ex PK Kemsley is reportedly dating London-based Tatiana Kharchylava; pictured 2023

 Dorit Kemsley’s ex PK Kemsley is reportedly dating London-based Tatiana Kharchylava; pictured 2023

The rumored new romance comes almost two years after he split from Dorit

The rumored new romance comes almost two years after he split from Dorit 

The Daily Mail has contacted PK, Dorit, and Tatiana for comment but have not yet immediately heard back. 

Tatiana is a creative director at The Birley Clubs, a private members club in London, and also co-founder of L’ÉPOQUE Cognac. 

In a telling sign, the rumored couple are also following one another on Instagram.   

Tatiana is not the first woman PK has been linked to since his split.

Last year the businessman was spotted with Shana Wall, an Amazing Race alum who also dated Ryan Seacrest. 

Wall, 51 — who famously dated Seacrest from 2003 to 2005 — seemed just as smitten, wrapping her arms around PK as they laughed and kissed outside the celebrity hotspot Cipriani’s. 

Dorit and Paul ‘PK’ Kemsley, who’ve been staples on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, announced their separation in May 2024 after nearly 10 years of marriage.

The couple, who share two kids—son Jagger and daughter Phoenix—said they were taking time apart to ‘reevaluate their relationship,’ while keeping their kids as the main priority.

Their messy split has played out on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, with sources telling TMZ PK has been hurt seeing how she depicted their relationship on season 14. 

According to insiders, PK has no desire to publicly hash out his issues with his ex due to their children.

He reportedly believes the world will learn the truth about their split in time. 

Tatiana is a creative director at The Birley Clubs, a private members club in London, and also co-founder of L'ÉPOQUE Cognac

Tatiana is a creative director at The Birley Clubs, a private members club in London, and also co-founder of L’ÉPOQUE Cognac

The duo announced their separation in May 2024 after nearly 10 years of marriage

The duo announced their separation in May 2024 after nearly 10 years of marriage

In a 2025 episode, Dorit claimed DK was a bad father. 

When Kathy Hilton said that she thought PK was, ‘a very good father,’ though Dorit shocked the table – and fans – by simply stating, ‘Wrong.’

She went on to reveal that he would, ‘disappear and be gone for weeks and weeks or months even, without even calling the kids,’ which stunned many fans.

During the season 14 premiere, Dorit also called her husband of nine years ‘a full-blown alcoholic.’

But PK pushed back after Dorit blamed his alcoholism for their split, insisting he was sober.

The messy split has played out on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

The messy split has played out on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

‘I’m really proud and public about my sobriety, and I’m 12 months in two weeks,’ the British businessman said during an appearance on Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast in 2024. 

‘I’m now completely clear. My public sharing of my sobriety was about recovery. It was to inspire other people that it doesn’t matter how dark it gets, you can recover. You can’t do it on your own. You need people,’ he said of the process.

PK said of the disease, ‘It’s one of those things that the older you get, the worse it gets.’

He explained his wife’s ‘lack of understanding’ due to her not investing in the same 12-step journey he has.

‘She hasn’t worked a program and hasn’t done what I’ve done. So there is no fully blown alcoholic. You’re either an alcoholic or you’re not, right?’

David Muir Dominates TV News Ratings, Leaving Competitors in the Dust

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David Muir Dominates TV News Ratings, Leaving Competitors in the Dust

David Muir’s World News Tonight has achieved a historic milestone, securing its largest lead over CBS since electronic ratings began in 1991, as reported by Nielsen.

The program has surged ahead by 4.7 million viewers compared to its traditional competitor, CBS Evening News. Last week, Muir, age 52, drew an impressive audience of over 8.6 million, more than double the viewership of CBS’s new anchor, Tony Dokoupil.

This gap was even more significant among younger demographics, where Muir posted nearly 150% increases in both the 25-54 and 18-48 age groups.

Muir is also outperforming NBC’s Tom Llamas, with a lead of nearly 2 million viewers. This represents ABC’s most significant viewership advantage over NBC in 31 years, dating back to the 1994-1995 season.

This achievement is the result of four consecutive weeks of year-over-year audience growth, reinforcing Muir’s position as the leader in traditional media broadcasting.

It’s been nearly 12 years since he stepped in to succeed a then-second-place Diane Sawyer. The show had roughly the same amount of viewers back then – an anomaly amid cord-cutting and other trends. NBC and CBS have shed millions over the same timespan. 

CBS’s struggles are particularly dire: Dokoupil delivered the network’s lowest-rated first quarter of the 21st century, after being promoted from CBS Mornings in January.

Muir, meanwhile, recently emerged victor in a years-long feud with fellow star George Stephanopoulos, the host of Good Morning America. 

David Muir's World News Tonight just notched it biggest win over CBS since ratings began being recorded in the Nielsen electronic database in 1991

David Muir’s World News Tonight just notched it biggest win over CBS since ratings began being recorded in the Nielsen electronic database in 1991

The development puts the broadcast a full 4.7million viewers in front of its longtime rival, which is now hosted by former CBS Mornings host Tony Dokoupil. He has failed to move the needle

The development puts the broadcast a full 4.7million viewers in front of its longtime rival, which is now hosted by former CBS Mornings host Tony Dokoupil. He has failed to move the needle 

Muir is also leading Tom Llamas over at NBC, by nearly 2million viewers overall. Llamas - a former World News Tonight weekend anchor  - has had success with younger viewers, though, with Nightly News inching toward ABC in the A25-54 demo and A18-49 as well

Muir is also leading Tom Llamas over at NBC, by nearly 2million viewers overall. Llamas – a former World News Tonight weekend anchor  – has had success with younger viewers, though, with Nightly News inching toward ABC in the A25-54 demo and A18-49 as well

Dokoupil, 45, was elevated by Tiffany Network editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. His once-esteemed broadcast averaged just 4.3million viewers a night for the quarter, trending downward.

For the past two weeks, the show notched less than 4million views – a marker that raised alarms only a year ago when a dual-anchor experiment from former executives caused roughly 1.2million to tune out. 

The two-anchor format was scrapped by Weiss late last year. She was hired by Paramount’s David Ellison in October. Weiss went with Dokoupil in January after failing to hire a big name externally, Status reported at the time.

ABC and parent company Disney has had its own leadership changes, but have found a steady hand in Muir – seemingly at the expense of their other main star, Stephanopoulos.

The 65-year-old was once ABC’s chief reporter and chief political correspondent. Today, he holds the title of ‘chief anchor.’ Muir leads the network’s breaking news and political coverage, the Daily Mail understands. 

The arrangement bred tension between the two behind the scenes for several years, Status reported in December 2024.

Former CNN reporter Oliver Darcy, the publication’s founder, told the Daily Mail the following March that the animosity has since evaporated, with it being understood that Muir is ABC’s new ‘lead man.‘

Stephanopoulos still has ‘his own real estate’ in the network, Darcy added. 

Muir recently emerged victor in a years-long feud with fellow star George Stephanopoulos, the host of Good Morning America. He's been ABC top star since stepping in for a then-second-place Diane Sawyer. Twelve years later, World News Tonight is overwhelmingly in first-place

Muir recently emerged victor in a years-long feud with fellow star George Stephanopoulos, the host of Good Morning America. He’s been ABC top star since stepping in for a then-second-place Diane Sawyer. Twelve years later, World News Tonight is overwhelmingly in first-place

Muir, pictured being honored at the Time100 gala in April, now oversees ABC's breaking news and political coverage

Muir, pictured being honored at the Time100 gala in April, now oversees ABC’s breaking news and political coverage

‘He was the lead man for a while and now it’s [Muir].’ Stephanopoulos made his GMA debut in 2009. He joined ABC News in 1997 as a news analyst.

Muir joined ABC as a relatively unknown reporter in 2003. He was noticed early on by Bob Iger, he said.

Iger, 75, retired this year.

Arrest Made in Decades-Old Georgia Cold Case: Breakthrough in Sandra Kaye Davis Murder Investigation

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Arrest Made in Decades-Old Georgia Cold Case: Breakthrough in Sandra Kaye Davis Murder Investigation


WAYCROSS, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has made a significant arrest in a decades-old cold case in southern Georgia.

Freddie Lee Granger Jr., a 68-year-old resident of Ware County, faces serious charges, including rape, aggravated assault, malice murder, and two counts of felony murder. These charges are related to the 1984 assault and murder of 22-year-old Sandra Kaye Davis.

On September 1, 1984, the Waycross Police Department discovered Davis’s lifeless body beside a residence on Kollock Street in Waycross. Investigators revealed that she had been strangled.

Following the grim discovery, the Waycross Police Department sought the expertise of the GBI to aid in their investigation.

Committed to solving this case, the GBI and Waycross Police Department diligently pursued every lead. Recent advancements in DNA testing finally connected Granger to the heinous crime, leading to his arrest.

Through the years, the GBI and the Waycross Police Department remained committed to finding the truth behind Davis’s death. The results of continued DNA testing linked Granger to the crime.

On March 31st, 2026, Granger was taken into custody and booked into the Ware County Jail.

The Waycross Police Department, the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, and the GBI’s Cold Case Unit assisted the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas with the investigation and in locating and arresting Granger.

This investigation is still active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas at 912-389-4103.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

All information and pictures provided by the GBI

Honoring Fallen Heroes: Commemorating Illinois Trooper Day with Heartfelt Tributes

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Honoring Fallen Heroes: Commemorating Illinois Trooper Day with Heartfelt Tributes


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — This Wednesday, April 1, marks “Illinois Trooper Day,” a day dedicated to honoring every Illinois State Police officer who has lost their life while serving.

According to a joint press release from the State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Tollway, and the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, memorial signs will be installed along Illinois roadways to pay tribute to each fallen trooper’s ultimate sacrifice for the state.

Trump Predicts Swift Conclusion to Middle East Conflict Amid Potential NATO Withdrawal

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IN BRIEF

  • Trump says US forces could return for “spot hits” if he believes it is necessary.
  • He stepped up threats of withdrawing from NATO if European nations did not assist with securing the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump announced that the United States would conclude its military operations in Iran soon, with the possibility of returning for targeted actions if necessary. This statement came just hours before he was set to deliver a prime-time address to the nation.

In his upcoming speech, scheduled for 12 p.m. on Thursday (9 p.m. Wednesday local time), Trump planned to discuss the potential withdrawal of the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

When asked about the timeline for ending the conflict in Iran, Trump remarked, “I can’t tell you exactly… we’re going to be out pretty quickly.”

A White House official later indicated that Trump was expected to emphasize a two-to-three-week timeline for wrapping up the military engagement in Iran during his address.

Trump asserted that U.S. actions had successfully prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He stated, “They won’t have a nuclear weapon because they are incapable of that now, and then I’ll leave, and I’ll take everybody with me. If we have to, we’ll come back to do spot hits.”

An Iranian official, Mehdi Tabatabai, said in a post on X that an important letter to the American people from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian would be released “in a few hours”.

Trump considers quitting NATO

Global oil supplies were expected to be hit twice as hard this month as in March, the International Energy Agency said on Wednesday, underlining the urgent need for an end to the conflict Trump began with Israel on 28 February.

Trump said separately on social media that Iran had asked for a ceasefire but that he would not consider it until Iran ceased blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a major fuel shipment route. Iran denied making any such request.

Two security sources from Pakistan, which is mediating in the conflict, earlier said Pakistan had proposed a temporary ceasefire to both sides but had not heard back from either.

Trump had signalled on Tuesday he could wind down the war in two to three weeks even without a deal, and scaled up threats to pull the US out of the NATO defence alliance if European states did not help stop Iran threatening the waterway.

In remarks on Wednesday, Trump said he would express his disgust with NATO for what he considers the alliance’s lack of support for US objectives in Iran.

European states took pains to appear unruffled and France’s junior army minister Alice Rufo said operations by NATO in the Strait of Hormuz would be a breach of international law.

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Shocking Video: Repeat Offender Allegedly Tries to Push Stranger onto Train Tracks—Twice!

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Shocking Video: Repeat Offender Allegedly Tries to Push Stranger onto Train Tracks—Twice!

A Seattle man is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly trying to push a stranger into the path of an oncoming train. The alarming incident was captured on video.

This event took place at the bustling Northgate light rail station. As a man waited on the platform for a northbound train, investigators claim that the suspect, Elisio Melendez, approached him from behind and attempted to shove him onto the tracks just as the train was nearing.

Prosecutors assert that the attack was intentional and premeditated.

According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, surveillance footage reveals that Melendez “carefully timed his assault,” choosing the precise moment when the train was entering the station to make his move.

Man allegedly pushes stranger from behind toward train tracks at Seattle Northgate station

The video shows a suspect sneaking up on a man from behind and attempting to push him toward the tracks at Seattle’s Northgate light rail station. This footage was provided by the King County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim managed to catch himself at the last second, avoiding what prosecutors described as a potentially deadly fall.

But the encounter didn’t end there.

Authorities say video shows the suspect trying to push the man a second time before running off.

Suspect appears to push man again as train arrives at Seattle light rail platform

The suspect appears to make a second attempt to push the victim as a train pulls into the station, according to investigators. (King County Sheriff’s Office)

“This story ends with great work by our Sound Transit deputies who took a dangerous person off the streets,” the King County Sheriff’s Office said, calling images from the incident “quite chilling.”

Though the suspect initially ran off, investigators say a combination of surveillance video and “very good detective work” led them to Melendez at a nearby mental health community center, where he lived, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators went to a residence March 24, where an employee identified Melendez and officers took him into custody, KING 5 reported. Clothing matching what the suspect was wearing during the incident was also recovered from his room, the outlet reported.

He was arrested and booked into the King County Correctional Facility, where records show he is being held on $750,000 bail on an attempted second-degree murder charge and is awaiting trial.

King County prosecutors told Fox News Digital the charge was formally filed March 26 and confirmed the case remains ongoing.

Train enters station as suspect allegedly times push toward tracks in Seattle incident

Prosecutors say surveillance video shows the suspect “carefully timed” the moment as the train entered the station. (King County Sheriff’s Office)

A court-ordered competency evaluation is now underway and will determine whether Melendez is able to understand the charges and stand trial, prosecutors said. An arraignment will be scheduled once that process is complete.

The case also highlights a troubling history.

Victim stumbles forward after being pushed near edge of train platform in Seattle

The victim manages to catch himself near the edge of the platform, avoiding a potentially deadly fall. (King County Sheriff’s Office)

Prosecutors said Melendez was previously charged in a 2019 domestic violence assault case but was ultimately found not competent to stand trial and not restorable after multiple court-ordered treatment periods, the maximum allowed under state law.

That case was dismissed in February 2021, and he was ordered into civil commitment at Western State Hospital under state supervision.

He remained there until January 2022, when state officials determined he had improved enough to be released to a less restrictive alternative.

Prosecutors noted that once a defendant is found not competent and not restorable, there is no legal path to continue a criminal case.

They also emphasized that a competency evaluation does not mean charges will be dropped, and cases can remain active for months while courts attempt to restore a defendant’s ability to stand trial.

It’s still unclear what sparked the attack or whether the victim was specifically targeted, but investigators say the man was approached from behind, seemingly at random.

The case remains under investigation.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

Stepheny Price is a Writer at Fox News with a focus on West Coast and Midwest news, missing persons, national and international crime stories, homicide cases, and border security.
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