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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.
Once known for his brash persona in the media landscape, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has shifted gears, crafting a powerful political duo with his wife, Jennifer Hegseth. Nowadays, wherever he goes, Jennifer isn’t far behind.
According to several accounts, Jennifer has become an indispensable ally to Pete, wielding significant influence. She’s actively involved in interviewing potential staff members, managing public presence, and crafting the department’s video content. Moreover, she’s often by Pete’s side during major press interviews.
These revelations came to light in a detailed New York Times article released on Wednesday. The piece drew on insights from 20 people, including current and former officials, as well as individuals close to Jennifer, painting a clear picture of her impact.
An insider noted that the 49-year-old Jennifer’s constant presence beside her husband isn’t without reason. With Pete having faced previous allegations regarding alcohol misuse, he relies on her guidance to maintain his focus and stay on track.
This close partnership has not been without its ripple effects. At a sensitive briefing on military intelligence sharing with Ukraine last year, involving both US and UK officials, British participants chose to keep their remarks general, uneasy with Jennifer Hegseth’s unexpected attendance.
It ultimately forced them to hold a smaller, more detailed follow-up meeting without her.
The underlying reason for her constant presence traces back to concerns over the former Fox News host’s past.
Having faced a challenging confirmation due largely to a history of drinking and repeated accusations of alcohol abuse, Hegseth reportedly relies heavily on his wife’s supervision.
Trading in his media ‘bad-boy’ reputation for a full-fledged political partnership, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now brings his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, virtually everywhere
Hegseth’s wife exchanges an executive order establishing the President’s Military Spouse Commission to be chaired
Hegseth and his wife Jennifer attend the funeral services for the late US Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina at the Washington National Cathedral
Hegseth kisses his wife Jennifer after riding in an FA-18 Super Hornet aircraft at Naval Air Station Fallon
Jennifer met her husband in 2016 when they both worked at Fox News, and were both married to other people
As one insider explained to the Times that he counts on her to keep him out of trouble at all times.
Expecting a simple introductory conversation when Jennifer called him in, former Pentagon chief spokesperson John Ullyot – who resigned after three months – was instead subjected to a 40-minute torrent of ‘unexpectedly detailed and hard-edged questions.’
‘It’s bonkers that a defense secretary would involve his wife in his sensitive official duties, including sharing details of an impending military operation, and face zero consequences,’ Ullyot told The Times, adding that any president ‘deserves better judgment’ from his leaders.
Joel Valdez, the DOD spokesperson, compared Ullyot’s actions as similar to a ‘crazy ex’ while saying he had been ‘exiled from the MAGA movement by Donald Trump Jr.’
Coming to her defense, lead Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell described Hegseth’s wife as ‘an accomplished leader in her own right and a devoted military spouse.’
‘The Defense Department not only welcomes her current leadership but actively plans to involve her even more deeply in the future,’ he said.
Hegseth said in an interview in 2024: ‘My Jenny, my wife, Jennifer, changed my life, saved me, there’s just no doubt about it. And without those two Js, I wouldn’t be sitting here right now.’
The other ‘J’ Hegseth was referring to, is Jesus.
Jennifer met her husband in 2016 when they both worked at Fox News, and were both married to other people.
Experiencing hip instability after 60? Explore these five wall exercises designed to enhance your balance.
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While squats are excellent for building lower-body strength, focusing specifically on hip strength after turning 60 is crucial. Whether you’re standing on one leg, shifting your body sideways, or stabilizing yourself before taking another step, strong hips are key to maintaining stability. For seniors, these subtle movements can be the deciding factor in whether you move with confidence or uncertainty.
Incorporating a wall into your exercise routine can effectively target the hip muscles essential for balance and control. By lightly holding onto the wall, you can safely execute movements, focusing on the targeted hip without struggling to maintain balance with each repetition.
This exercise routine keeps the focus on direct engagement with the hips. You’ll perform movements such as leg lifts, backward drives, marching, hip circles, and single-leg hinges. Begin with small, controlled motions and gradually increase your range as your hip strength improves.
Wall-Supported Hip Abduction
A sign of weak outer hips is feeling wobbly during walking or single-leg balance. Wall-supported hip abductions go right after that problem. You hold the wall, lift one leg to the side, and make the outside of the hip do the work. Keep the movement smaller than you think at first. A clean side lift beats a high rep that turns your foot or twists your torso.
Muscles Trained: Outer hips, glutes, hip stabilizers, core.
How to Do It
Stand beside a wall with one hand resting lightly on it.
Stand tall with your feet under your hips.
Shift your weight onto the leg closest to the wall.
Lift your outside leg out to the side.
Pause briefly at the top.
Lower the leg with control and repeat before switching sides.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps per side.
Best Variations: Smaller-range hip abductions, banded hip abductions, side taps.
Form Tip: Keep your toes facing forward so the outer hip does the work.
5 Morning Exercises That Trim Belly Pooch Faster Than Pilates After 60
Wall-Supported Hip Extension
The backside of the hips, aka your glutes and hamstrings, helps you stand tall and push through each stride. Hip extensions train that area without needing a big setup. I’d rather see a small, controlled lift than a high kick that turns into a lower-back arch. Keep your hands on the wall, squeeze the glute, and stop the lift before your posture changes.
Muscles Trained: Glutes, hamstrings, core.
How to Do It
Stand facing a wall with both hands resting lightly on it.
Set your feet about hip-width apart.
Shift your weight onto one leg.
Extend the opposite leg behind you.
Squeeze your glute briefly.
Lower the leg and repeat, then switch sides.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per side.
Best Variations: Smaller-range hip extensions, banded hip extensions, alternating hip extensions.
Form Tip: Lift the leg only as far as you can without arching your lower back.
Wall March
A wall march looks basic until you slow it down, and I mean, slow it down. Each knee lift requires one hip to raise the leg while the other side keeps you steady. Steadying your hips is useful practice for walking because every step needs the same exchange of lift and support. Use the wall to stay tall, then lift smoothly from the floor to the top.
Muscles Trained: Hip flexors, glutes, quads, core.
How to Do It
Stand facing a wall.
Place both hands lightly on the wall.
Stand tall with your feet under your hips.
Lift one knee toward hip height.
Lower that foot with control.
Switch sides and continue alternating.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 20 to 30 seconds.
Best Variations: Slower wall marches, seated marches, wall march with a pause.
Form Tip: Stay tall as the knee lifts instead of leaning back.
5 Kitchen-Counter Exercises That Rebuild Knee Strength Faster Than Leg Presses After 60
Wall-Supported Hip Circles
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Hip circles give the joint more room to work. The goal is control, not a big dramatic circle. A small circle can still challenge the hip if your torso stays quiet and your standing leg holds steady. This drill is especially helpful when your hips feel stiff from sitting or from always moving in the same straight-ahead pattern.
Muscles Trained: Glutes, hip flexors, outer hips, core.
How to Do It
Stand beside a wall with one hand resting lightly on it.
Shift your weight onto the leg closest to the wall.
Lift your outside knee slightly.
Move that knee in a small circle.
Complete the reps in one direction.
Reverse the circle, then switch sides.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 5 to 8 circles each direction per side.
Best Variations: Smaller hip circles, seated hip circles, standing knee lifts.
Form Tip: Keep the circles small enough that your torso stays quiet.
LONDON – In a move echoing the drama of a cherished television series, the royal family’s saga continues as it heads back across the Atlantic. As Prince Harry and Meghan make their way from sunny California to the United Kingdom, the world watches with bated breath, pondering if this will be a heartwarming reunion or spiral into fresh tensions.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to return to British soil in just a few short weeks. In preparation for their overseas journey, they’ve already enrolled their young royals, Prince Archie, aged 7, and Princess Lilibet, aged 5, into local schools to ensure they begin the autumn term alongside their peers.
This unexpected announcement, which made headlines late Wednesday through reports by the Telegraph and Sun, has fueled speculation and intrigue over various aspects of their return. Key questions swirling include their potential residence, the logistics of their security arrangements, and the tantalizing prospect of their re-involvement in royal responsibilities.
Yet, perhaps the most delicate matter remains the strained bond between Harry and his brother, Prince William, the future king. This relationship has been severely tested by Harry’s outspoken grievances about alleged mistreatment by palace employees, alleged racism within the royal circle, and perceived shortcomings of the monarchy itself. Adding to the tension is the looming question of whether Harry and Meghan will outshine William and Catherine upon their UK return.
“This presents a challenge the palace must navigate…” remarked Craig Prescott, an authority on constitutional matters and the monarchy from Royal Holloway University of London, in conversation with The Associated Press. “There’s a delicate balance; Meghan and Harry’s arrival in the UK mustn’t eclipse the ongoing efforts of the monarchy, requiring thoughtful dialogue and strategic planning.”
Harry and Meghan wanted their children to grow up British
The couple are expected to live at a private, nonroyal residence outside of London and they won’t resume their royal duties, which they gave up when they moved to the exclusive Southern California community of Montecito six years ago, British media reported late Wednesday.
Their return to the U.K. comes as King Charles III, Harry’s 77-year-old father, continues to undergo treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer that was discovered in 2024. The prince said last year that he didn’t know “how much time my father has left,” and has expressed a desire for his children to have a chance to get to know their grandfather.
While Harry and Meghan’s decision is a surprise to many, royal historian Ed Owens said recent events created a pathway for the couple’s return.
First, Harry spoke of his desire for reconciliation, then there was the apparently successful meeting between the king, his younger son and daughter-in-law and their children last month at Charles’ Highgrove estate in western England. In addition, there is Harry’s stated desire for his children to grow up British and that the U.K. looks like a safer place to be right now, given the divisions in American society, said Owens, author of “After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?”
Royal experts expect Charles to forgive Harry
Finally, Owens said he expects Charles to forgive Harry because as the supreme governor of the Church of England he has to demonstrate the teachings of Christianity, including the virtue of forgiveness.
William may find forgiving his brother more difficult, but someday he too will become head of the church, Owens said.
“It may be that privately William never fully forgives his younger brother for what he deems the betrayal of the family,” Owens told The AP. “But publicly,” he will, “because for traditional moralists, traditional Christian values, they demand that there is this public act of forgiveness, that there’s reconciliation between the brothers.”
Charles was informed of Harry and Meghan’s plans on Sunday and the matter wasn’t discussed during their recent visit to the U.K.
Relations have been strained in the House of Windsor
Relations between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family have been strained since the couple gave up their royal duties and moved to California in 2020 to earn their own living. The couple later signed lucrative contracts with Netflix and Spotify.
The rift deepened after the couple gave a series of interviews and Harry published his explosive memoir “Spare,” in which he said they left Britain to escape the restrictions of royal life. The couple also criticized palace officials for being insensitive to Meghan’s mental health and alleged at least one member of the royal family had expressed racist views when she was pregnant with their first child. Meghan describes herself as biracial.
Oprah Winfrey asked Harry to summarize his reasons for leaving Britain in a 2021 interview that was broadcast around the world.
“Lack of support and lack of understanding,” he replied.
Strains are exacerbated by long-running battles with the newspapers
Those tensions were exacerbated by Harry’s long-running legal battle with Britain’s tabloid newspapers, which he alleges illegally hacked his phones and invaded his privacy when he was younger. The courtroom drama seemed to be nearing an end after Harry and other plaintiffs lost their lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail last month.
That case left Harry facing a potential bill for millions of pounds after the court ruled the plaintiffs were liable for the publisher’s legal fees. Associated Newspapers has filed documents showing that its costs amounted to 34.5 million pounds ($47 million).
Harry has also been embroiled in a legal wrangle with the British government after a government committee refused to authorize police protection for him and his family when they are in the U.K. The prince says they need armed police protection because they are at risk as members of the royal family, regardless of whether they are working royals.
The couple’s security arrangements are a “private matter” for Harry and Meghan to deal with, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said when asked about the issue on Thursday.
After Harry lost his court challenge of the committee’s decision in May 2025, the prince said he hoped to reconcile with his family while continuing to vent his anger at those in Britain he feels have mistreated him and his wife.
“I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point,” he told the BBC at the time. “And the things that they’re going to miss is, well, everything. You know, I love my country. I always have done, despite what some people in that country have done.”
Although much of the media attention on Harry and Meghan has focused on family tensions and recriminations in recent years, Owens suggested that the story may now shift to the royal’s efforts to rebuild family harmony.
“I think time is a great healer. It creates space in a social media-saturated world,” he said. “People are always looking for the next thing to talk about and, arguably, that will be reconciliation between first of all father and son, and then potentially the two brothers.”
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the family of slain Australian relief worker Zomi Frankcom has expressed their profound disappointment with Israel’s decision not to file criminal charges in connection to the attack that claimed her life.
Tensions escalated as the Australian government condemned the decision, summoning Israeli ambassador Hillel Newman for a stern diplomatic conversation. However, officials have stopped short of expelling the ambassador despite public pressure to do so.
In a statement released overnight, Israel’s military disclosed that it had found no evidence of criminal misconduct in the strike on Gaza in April 2024, which resulted in the death of Frankcom and six other aid workers, effectively closing the case.
Zomi’s brother, Mal Frankcom, lamented that the timing of the announcement on World Humanitarian Day was “an affront to my sister’s legacy.”
“The families of the six other World Central Kitchen aid workers and I have been yearning for over two years, advocating diligently for an independent criminal investigation,” he emphasized in a heartfelt message.
“Zomi and her colleagues deserve more than an internal, opaque process that ends with a short statement by the Israeli Military absolving their soldiers of criminal wrongdoing. The families of the victims deserve transparency and an independent judicial assessment of the criminal responsibility for the international humanitarian law violations that took place on that day.”
“We are now told by the same IDF that there is no wrongdoing worth referring to a criminal investigation,” he said. “As a family, we do not believe this to be accurate, and we continue to call for an independent investigation.”
He called on the Australian government to “pursue all available legal avenues for an independent and credible investigation to be conducted”, and to press for video and audio drone footage that Israel has not released.
Israel’s military announced on Wednesday night it had completed reviews of 150 cases of troop conduct in Gaza and made decisions on five cases, including the 1 April 2024 attack on an aid convoy that killed seven humanitarian workers, including Frankcom, in Khan Younis.
It said it had launched criminal investigations into two high-profile attacks on Palestinians during the war, but not into the April 2024 strike, adding there was “no reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct that would justify the opening of a criminal investigation”.
Frankcom’s convoy was marked, but the Israeli military initially claimed it was being used by Hamas, before later acknowledging the misidentification and errors in the decision-making process.
Two Israeli officers were dismissed from their positions and three senior officers were formally reprimanded, according to the Israeli military.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier said Israel had fallen short of the accountability required and the federal government would continue to press for justice for Frankcom and her colleagues.
“Israel’s decision to close their investigation without criminal proceedings is an outrage,” Albanese told Parliament on Thursday.
His comments echoed those of Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who labelled the timing of Israel’s announcement “insulting” after learning of the decision hours after launching the Zomi Frankcom award for aid workers in the presence of her family.
“To learn of these developments in these circumstances was especially insulting and hurtful to Zomi’s loved ones, to humanitarians, and to Australians.”
Wong said she had “made clear” to Newman “Australia’s view that Israel’s decision falls far short of the accountability we expect”.
She said Australia’s ambassador to Israel had conveyed the same message directly to Israeli authorities last night, including her foreign counterpart.
‘Many unanswered questions’
Earlier on Thursday, after meeting with Wong, Newman defended Israel’s military’s decision and said no “criminal liability” was found in the investigations.
But Wong said “there are still many unanswered questions”.
“Even if the first strike was a catastrophic error, two further strikes followed, each two minutes apart,” she said.
“These strikes were in violation of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) standard operating procedures and rules of engagement. We still have not had a satisfactory explanation of why the strike occurred in a humanitarian fire control zone.”
“We have not received the drone audio as requested multiple times by the government on behalf of Zomi’s family.”
Israel’s military said on Wednesday it would proceed with probes into two other incidents: the killings of Hind Rajab and her family in February 2024, and of 15 Palestinian paramedics in May 2025, which both prompted global condemnation.
Both the killing of Rajab in February 2024 and the killing of 15 Palestinian medics in May 2025 gained international attention.
Rajab was killed alongside her relatives while trying to flee Gaza City amid an Israeli offensive.
Response to calls to remove the ambassador
The IDF’s decision not to pursue a criminal investigation drew criticism from human rights advocates and politicians across the political spectrum.
Chris Sidoti — a commissioner at the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, which does not speak on behalf of the UN — said there was little confidence in Israeli military investigations and called for Israel’s ambassador to be expelled, accusing him of interfering in Australian politics and failing Australian citizens.
“His government now has failed Australian citizens. So he should be told that he’s going home,” he told ABC Radio National on Thursday.
Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi also backed the ambassador’s expulsion, arguing the Albanese government had failed to secure justice for Frankcom and other aid workers.
Opposition defence spokesperson James Paterson said the decision was “incredibly concerning” and called for a full briefing, while Nationals MP Anne Webster defended Israel’s right to follow its own legal processes.
World Central Kitchen, the charity Frankcom was working for when she was killed, described the decision as “deeply offensive” and said there was “never any excuse or justification” for the strikes.
Wong rejected calls to expel Newman, saying it would hamper the federal government’s ability to engage with Israel and “press for Australia’s interests”.
“We don’t maintain diplomatic relations as an endorsement of any particular country,” she said.
She said it was a “difficult time” in the Australia-Israel relationship and that Frankcom’s family “deserves an apology”, which Newman has previously refused.
Ambassador defends IDF decision
Newman told reporters on Thursday that Israel was sorry for the humanitarian worker’s death.
He said he was “very sorry” for Frankcom’s family and expressed “deep sorrow and grief” but would not be drawn on a formal apology, saying it would have “legal ramifications”.
“I cannot accept liability on behalf of the state of Israel for the family, but I can express deep sorrow and grief. We see it as a tragedy,” he said.
He didn’t rule out a potential appeal of Israel’s decision.
Newman said the aid convoy decided to put armed personnel on it without telling Israel, and deviated from the pre-approved route.
“One cannot attack findings of a court if the findings are not suitable to one’s political agenda,” he said.
“The findings of the court came to the conclusion after two years of independent research that there’s no criminal liability. We must respect that, as we do in every case of a investigation.”
Asked why Israel had not released drone footage of the strike, Newman said: “I do not know what is actually in that”.
He said there were concerns the footage could contain sensitive intelligence.
Newsman said mistakes were made by both the aid convoy and the Israeli military.
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has made headlines with a substantial drug bust in Washington, D.C., unveiling a cocaine trafficking network alarmingly close to a local school. Disturbing video evidence showcased a drug transaction occurring mere feet from the presence of a young child, just five years old.
A Texas man, previously convicted of murder, finds himself back in legal trouble. This time, he’s accused of spearheading a “full-service drug operation” strategically located near multiple schools. Authorities, through careful surveillance, noted suspicious activities that included teenagers purportedly buying narcotics and fentanyl pills camouflaged as ecstasy.
On August 18, after a thorough two-month probe, the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force executed a raid at a residence on the 1200 block of Appomattox Drive in Texas City. The entry was carried out by the SWAT team of the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, following standard tactical procedures.
The investigation’s focal point, 50-year-old Jahml McDonald from Texas City, was apprehended and now faces charges for two felony offenses related to controlled substances, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office.
MEXICAN NATIONAL FACES FEDERAL CHARGES AFTER CBP FINDS $238K IN FENTANYL INSIDE ELECTRIC MOPED
Galveston County authorities seized approximately one kilogram of brightly colored fentanyl pills allegedly disguised to resemble ecstasy during a raid on a suspected drug operation near several schools.(Galveston County Sheriff’s Office)
Detectives said they seized approximately one kilogram of fentanyl pills, along with THC wax, marijuana, THC vapes, promethazine and dozens of bottles of liquor.
The sheriff’s office said the fentanyl pills were “disguised to resemble ecstasy/MDMA pills” and were brightly colored to resemble recreational party drugs.
Jahml McDonald, 50, faces two felony drug charges after authorities raided a Texas City home after a two-month investigation.(Galveston County Sheriff’s Office)
Task force surveillance observed what appeared to be teenagers purchasing narcotics from the residence, which is near Giles Middle School, College of the Mainland and two local elementary schools, according to FOX 26.
“This is a full-service drug operation, including the ability to pay with credit card,” Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli said. “This is a convenience store for poison that was taken down.”
Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick said McDonald previously served 25 years for a murder conviction and was out on bond in a pending marijuana case at the time of his arrest.
Galveston County authorities seized approximately one kilogram of fentanyl pills that investigators said were brightly colored and disguised to resemble ecstasy or MDMA.(Galveston County Sheriff’s Office)
Cusick pledged to seek the maximum prosecution available.
“This offender needs the full attention of my office,” Cusick said. “This person has a criminal history, a murder conviction, drug convictions and (is) now peddling these type of substances on a house near a college, a community college, two elementary schools within walking distance. This is outrageous.”
Residents living near the Appomattox Drive home said they had noticed heavy vehicle and foot traffic around the residence.
“Every time I came by, there was traffic, traffic, traffic,” neighbor Donald Moore told FOX 26. “Teenagers jumping out, running to the house. … I know eventually, with all of this traffic and with all the drugs being dealt, the next thing is gonna happen is gunfire. Somebody’s gonna get hurt or killed.”
A judge upheld a combined $2 million bond for McDonald, with $1 million set on each charge, according to FOX 26.
A horrendous midair collision claimed the life of a seasoned emergency room physician when his small plane collided with a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter Wednesday evening. Identified as Dr. Paul William Sokoloski, the pilot’s tragic downfall has been captured in newly released footage that shows the chaos of the crash.
The county Coroner’s Office confirmed that Dr. Sokoloski piloted the Cessna 150 involved in the fatal incident at Carlisle Airport in Cumberland County. The community is now mourning the loss of a dedicated healthcare professional.
With nearly 30 years of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Sokoloski also imparted his extensive knowledge to students as an assistant professor at the Penn State College of Medicine, according to his LinkedIn profile.
At 57, Dr. Sokoloski was committed to his role at Penn State Health. In a heartfelt statement released by WFMZ, Penn State Health referred to him as “a valued member of our emergency medicine team.”
The loss of Dr. Sokoloski has deeply impacted those at Penn State Health. “The Penn State Health community is deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Paul Sokoloski,” the statement read, underscoring the void left by his untimely passing.
“We are focused on supporting Dr. Sokoloski’s loved ones and the members of our care teams who worked alongside him and are grieving his passing.”
Before transitioning into emergency medicine, Sokoloski worked as security police for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
Investigators say he was the only passenger aboard the small jet at the time of the crash, has his commercial pilots license.
The two Pennsylvania State Police chopper pilots involved in the deadly collision, Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills, were airlifted from the scene and are expected to recover, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Thursday.
Corman was discharged from the hospital and Mills remains hospitalized with a good prognosis, Shapiro said.
Harrowing footage of what the Pennsylvania State Police called a “very violent crash” began circulating online Thursday.
The small private jet appears to be battling against wake turbulence or rotor wash before crashing into the state police helicopter hovering a few feet off the ground, according to an X account that posted the video.
The footage shows the Cessna struck the tail of the hovering chopper, which resulted in an explosion of dust and aircraft debris, before crashing nearby.
“When I say it was a very violent crash, that plane was cut into a lot of pieces,” Lt. Col. George Bivens, the state’s acting police commissioner, said during a late-night press conference Wednesday.
Aaron McCarter, investigator-in-charge with the National Transportation Safety Board, said Thursday that there is no immediate explanation for the fatal collision.
“Many of you have all seen the videos that have turned up online. It’s very dramatic,” McCarter said.
“That shows the collision. We see the outcome. But we want to understand why it happened.”
McCarter stressed that it’s early in the probe but said the wreckage from the crash will be analyzed and the aircraft, the actions of the pilots and the environment at the time will all be examined.
Both pilots were flight instructors and communication was established between flight crews prior to the collision, according to the NTSB investigator.
“I have no information at all to tell me either pilot of either vehicle was at fault,” McCarter said, adding that evidence suggests Sokoloski was made aware of the state police chopper hovering nearby.
“I can’t tell you whether or not his visual acuity or whether or not the helicopter was blocked from view,” the investigator said.
McCarter said Sokoloski was doing maintenance on his plane before the flight — but it is not yet known if his Cessna was dealing with any mechanical issues.
The investigator added that the flight path of the small airplane was unusual and they are investigating why the plane flew in that direction before making a hard turn.
Inset: Angel Nahle (Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Angel Nahle in court for allegedly setting his ex-girlfriend on fire in Phoenix (AZ Family/YouTube).
A bitter breakup escalated in Arizona when a man allegedly displayed a gasoline bottle during a FaceTime call with his ex-girlfriend. According to police, he then proceeded to her residence while maintaining the call, ultimately setting her ablaze in a shocking act of violence.
Angel Nahle, 24, hailing from Phoenix, faces charges from Maricopa County authorities. The charges include multiple serious accusations like aggravated assault and stalking, following the fiery attack on May 25 against his former partner, as detailed in court records.
A court affidavit accessed by Law&Crime outlines Nahle’s alleged premeditated violence, noting the incident occurred just a day after the woman ended their relationship. The document reveals that Nahle persistently attempted to contact her through FaceTime calls and texts, growing more irate as she ignored his communications.
According to the police report, Nahle finally reached his ex-girlfriend around 4 a.m. on May 25. During this call, he angrily accused her of cheating, threatened her safety, and warned he would set her car on fire. Displaying what he claimed to be gasoline in a bottle, Nahle allegedly made it clear he intended to use it.
While still on the FaceTime call, Nahle arrived “unannounced” at the woman’s apartment. She initially remained inside her sister’s apartment “out of fear” of what Nahle would do, but the woman eventually walked outside to attempt to de-escalate the situation.
“[The woman] stated that while she was speaking with Nahle … he remained agitated and repeatedly questioned her about their relationship ending,” the affidavit explains. “As she momentarily looked away, Nahle approached her and splashed an unknown liquid believed to be gasoline onto the left side of her body. She then heard Nahle utter the word ‘b—’ and observed him holding a lighter at his waist. Seconds later, the liquid ignited, engulfing the left side of [the woman’s] body and clothing in flames.”
Nahle told police that while his ex was burning on the ground, “he realized that he loved her and helped pull her burning shirt off of her,” according to the affidavit.
The woman was taken to a local hospital and treated for third-degree burns to her body, which led to multiple surgeries. Nahle allegedly “directed her to lie to medical staff” by claiming the burns resulted from a “vehicle carburetor fire,” the affidavit says.
“[The woman] reported that after the incident, Nahle remained with her constantly in the hospital, which she believes was to prevent her from telling hospital staff that Nahle was responsible for her burns, and later continued the relationship for several weeks, which she attributed to fear for her safety,” the affidavit says.
The victim told police she feared that if Nahle was released from jail “he would kill her,” according to the affidavit.
“She stated Nahle has threatened to kill her several times and he is capable of killing her based on the fact that he lit her on fire,” the affidavit says.
Nahle was arrested at his workplace in Tempe. He declined to answer any questions after being taken into custody.
The post Man fuming over breakup set his ex-girlfriend on fire, then remained with her ‘constantly’ during hospital stay to prevent her from talking: Police first appeared on Law & Crime.
A prominent figure within the Democratic Socialists of America faced challenging questions on CNN regarding the group’s backing of Fidel Castro. The group had lauded Castro, a Cuban strongman, as a notable symbol of resistance against imperialism.
Anchor Boris Sanchez pressed Ashik Siddique, a co-chair within the organization, following a tribute made last week in honor of what would have been the dictator’s 100th birthday, describing him as “a stalwart symbol of anti-imperialist struggle.”
During a Wednesday interview, Sanchez shared a personal narrative with Siddique, recounting his family’s hardships under communist rule.
“My grandfather was a revolutionary in Cuba at that time,” Sanchez revealed, detailing the impact of the previous regime. “He was affected by the former dictator, Fulgencio Batista, enduring the disappearance of friends who dared to express their opinions.”
Despite the initial promise of change, Sanchez shared that his grandfather ended up imprisoned after Castro came to power.
‘Fidel Castro locked my grandfather up, sentenced to 20 years for doing what you’re doing now on live TV, for speaking his mind, for expressing himself freely, for trying to organize politically.
Sanchez said he wanted Siddique to think about ‘how you think that lands with people who suffered under that dictatorship who now you were trying to court as voters when your organization comes out and lauds 100 years of Castro.’
Siddique clearly appeared flustered and stammered through his response, which pivoted to the DSA’s critiques of income inequality in the US.
Ashik Siddique (pictured left), a co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America, floundered on CNN when confronted over the left-wing group’s support for Fidel Castro
Siddique was challenged by anchor Boris Sanchez (pictured left) following a statement last week commemorating the Cuban dictator’s 100th birthday, calling him ‘a stalwart symbol of anti-imperialist struggle’
Sanchez replied: ‘So putting out a statement about Fidel Castro courts those people?’
‘We want to expand democracy everywhere in the United States, in Cuba, and everywhere else,’ Siddique replied, again pivoting to his own criticisms of the US government.
‘And that does not come at the barrel of a gun. It doesn’t come under the threat of economic blockade. That limits democracy everywhere,’ Siddique said.
Sanchez hit back: ‘And Fidel Castro was a beacon of democracy?’
Siddique admitted that he ‘wouldn’t say that’ about the dictator.
‘I think that the revolution in Cuba led to an expansion of things like universal healthcare. That’s actually been a model. Cuba exports medical care to countries that have very poor infrastructure themselves.’
After a discussion of the living conditions in Cuba and whether or not the US was to blame for them, Sanchez added: ‘I would suggest that perhaps we should have more conversations with folks who have fled that regime and what they think about these statements and the position of the DSA.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to the DSA for comment.
Siddique’s appearance is the latest example of a key DSA member floundering when pushed on their extreme leftwing views by a member of the mainstream press.
Sanchez shared a personal story to Siddique in an interview Wednesday about his family’s struggles against communist authoritarianism
Its the latest example of a key DSA member floundering when pushed on their extreme leftwing views by a member of the mainstream press
Siddique’s fellow co-chair Megan Romer was unable to provide a clear answer when asked to define the group’s belief that she described as ‘taxing the hell out of millionaires.’
‘Uhhhh, yeah, you know, again, I don’t have like a solid [answer]… but I think-‘ Romer said to which Remnick replied: ‘But shouldn’t you?’
Remnick questioned whether Romer, as one of the leaders of the DSA, should be more specific than simply saying ‘taxing the hell’ out of something. Romer responded: ‘Um, that’s a good question.’
When Remnick pressed her to explain what she meant, Romer shifted the topic towards dependence and exploitation.
‘So again, it’s democracy, right?’ Romer continued. ‘And we have to look at what we have to spend and what we need. We don’t want to depend on the existence of millionaires because that means people are still getting exploited.’
The segment of the interview ended with Romer saying: ‘So yeah, we need to look at what we need to pay for in the interim, what sort of tax base we need for that to happen, and build from there.’
In another sputtering interview, Dr Frances Gill, a delegate in the political committee, was asked by an NBC Los Angeles anchor what would happen if his daughter was sexually assaulted under a DSA regime, which seeks to defund the police and entirely end the prison system.
‘If my daughter is assaulted and raped, is there any agency that would seek to find her assailant and bring him to justice?’ Conan Nolan said.
Gill responded that ‘of course,’ a rapist would be held accountable, before giving a meandering explanation of the root causes of crime that failed to directly answer the question because she wanted to ‘avoid getting caught in hypotheticals and talk more about the reality.’
‘We’re spending absolutely outrageous amounts of money on police and policing, and we’re not spending money on things that actually make people safe and feel safe,’ she added.
‘Which is things like actually well-lit streets. The street lights in Los Angeles. Everybody agrees it’s a huge problem.’
Gill appeared to refer to the city’s backlog of repairs, which has left tens of thousands of streetlights without power due to widespread theft of copper wire.
She went on to say that substance abuse treatment needs to be funded to mitigate crime instead of funneling money into police departments.
In a collection of heartwarming back-to-school snapshots, Teyana Taylor’s daughters are unmistakable replicas of their talented mother, capturing the essence of familial bonds.
Prepare to experience a touch of nostalgia when you spot Mia Talerico embracing her last first day of high school.
The former Good Luck Charlie star stepped into her senior year, taking a moment to reflect on the swift passage of her high school days.
On August 19, Talerico shared her journey on Instagram as she dressed in a pink, off-the-shoulder top and jean shorts. Her pose with a commemorative sign marked this significant milestone in her life.
“Last First Day!” the 17-year-old expressed in her caption, adding, “Now I’m starting to feel old.”
And it’s not just the Disney Channel star who is shocked by how far she has come. Indeed, Talerico’s annual tradition of celebrating her first day of school has stunned fans who watched her on TV as a toddler.
“That’s so crazyyy we literally all [watched] her grow up,” one fan commented on last year’s post. Another added, “This is really the same charlie i grew up watching. im 22 now.”
Of course, Talerico—who starred in Good Luck Charlie as the titular role of Charlie Duncan from 2010 to 2014 alongside Bridgit Mendler and Bradley Steven Perry—is aware of how odd it is that she has aged in front of everyone’s eyes.
