The United States Air Force has announced that its new B-21 Raider stealth bomber program is progressing ahead of schedule. The first operational unit of this next-generation bomber is anticipated to be delivered to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota by 2027, marking a significant milestone for the program.

Adding to the optimism, the Air Force’s sixth-generation F-47 fighter program is also making faster-than-expected advancements. Gen. Dale White, the director of Critical Major Weapon Systems, shared these insights during the Air Force’s Life Cycle Industry Days conference held in Dayton, Ohio, providing an update on both cutting-edge programs.

Gen. White revealed that since a pivotal $4.5 billion funding boost was incorporated into the 2025 reconciliation bill, the B-21 acquisition program has accelerated by approximately 25%. This financial injection has played a crucial role in expediting the program’s timeline.

These developments offer one of the most transparent public briefings to date regarding the status of the Air Force’s premier next-generation aircraft initiatives, shedding light on the rapid progress being made.

The update comes months after the Air Force announced a second B-21 Raider joined flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, a milestone officials at the time said would accelerate testing and weapons integration for America’s first new long-range bomber in more than three decades.

White said the first operational B-21 is expected to be “on the ramp” at Ellsworth in 2027, with Northrop Grumman planning to eventually produce seven operational bombers annually. The Pentagon has requested $6.1 billion for the B-21 program in its fiscal year 2027 budget proposal.

Built by Northrop Grumman, the B-21 is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons while penetrating advanced enemy air defenses. The aircraft is expected to eventually replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit while operating alongside modernized B-52 Stratofortress bombers expected to remain in service into the middle of the century. The Air Force plans to acquire at least 100 B-21 bombers.

White also said planning for the Boeing-built F-47 has reached an “unprecedented maturity.”

The Air Force plans to acquire 185 F-47 fighters, with the first flight scheduled for 2028. The aircraft will replace the F-22 Raptor as the service’s primary air superiority fighter and is expected to operate alongside Collaborative Combat Aircraft, autonomous “loyal wingman” drones designed to support crewed aircraft in combat. The Pentagon has requested $5.03 billion for the F-47 program in its fiscal year 2027 budget request.

News Media has reached out to the Air Force, Northrop Grumman and Boeing for comment.

At Indiana University, a hazardous hazing incident orchestrated by seven fraternity members led to severe consequences, landing two students in the hospital with dire injuries. The brotherhood’s initiation rituals spiraled into hours of grueling physical exertion that bordered on the sadistic.

The troubling events unfolded in October 2025 within the confines of Phi Kappa Psi’s “chapter room,” as outlined in court filings accessed by CBS4. The charges suggest these fraternity brothers imposed rigorous hazing activities on more than two dozen pledges.

The aspiring members, confined to a barren room with only a metal trough filled with icy water, were subjected to relentless physical challenges. For nearly three hours, they endured countless energy-draining exercises, according to the court records.

One particularly grueling activity cited was the so-called “brother squats,” requiring the pledges to interlock arms and perform squats in unison to the point of complete fatigue, as detailed by media outlets.

The relentless ordeal didn’t end there. Allegations indicate that the pledges were also made to execute push-ups, planks, and leg lifts. Some were further compelled to take a plunge into the frigid water and then recite the fraternity’s creed, as reported by WTHR.

Two of the pledges were taken to the hospital after complaining of difficulty walking and thigh pain. One of them developed dark urine, court documents detailed.

Both pledges ended up hospitalized for multiple days with rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue breaks down and dangerously releases proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream.

The condition can lead to kidney failure and is life-threatening if not treated quickly, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

One of the pledges also told investigators that Phi Kappa Psi President Arjunkumar Patel sent him messages instructing him to lie about his injuries and tell doctors his condition was from working out at the gym, court documents said.

The frat president then told the pledge to delete his messages, prosecutors alleged.

Patel has been hit with felony charges for hazing and obstruction of justice. Fraternity members Joseph Moon, Noah Kucera, Logan Conforti, Casey Clarke, Ryan Donohue and Kaptur Nowaczyk were all charged with two counts of felony hazing, authorities said.

The crew of pledges and fraternity members said Moon, of Elkhart, allegedly oversaw the hazing ritual and decided what grueling activities the pledges should partake in, according to court documents.

Nowacyk, Donahue, Clarke, Conforti and Kucera — known as Phi Kappa Psi’s “Member Education Committee” — were present for the degrading workout session.

Patel was at another event, supervising it from the “outside,” the outlet said.

Indiana University’s Phi Kappa Psi chapter was placed on a cease-and-desist in late October, suspending all organization activities.

“The Office of Student Life holds all fraternities and sororities to high standards of safety, accountability and respectful experiences for every member,” Lamar Hylton, vice chancellor for student life at Indiana University Bloomington, told the outlet.

“The allegations made in the charges announced by the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office are inconsistent with Indiana University’s values and expectations of student conduct.”

A level 6 felony, which all seven members are charged with, carries a maximum sentence of 2.5 years behind bars.

The seven fraternity brothers have been summoned to appear in court for an initial hearing on Sept. 1.

In a show of characteristic defiance, former President Donald Trump brushed off concerns after a heavily armed individual was arrested at his California golf course. This occurred just days before Trump was scheduled to host a high-profile fundraiser at the venue.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele, was taken into custody by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. According to reports from the LA Times, Taele was seen snapping photos and observing security operations around the golf course, raising immediate concerns.

When questioned about the potential threat, Trump responded with his trademark bravado, stating that such incidents underscore his significance as a leader.

“The only thing I get a little solace from is they say only consequential presidents, and I am definitely consequential,” Trump remarked during an interview with Fox News. He used the opportunity to highlight the many achievements he believes defined his presidency, even as he alluded to the specter of threats faced by significant leaders.

Trump echoed a similar sentiment after another alarming incident when a gunman was detained at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, once again positioning himself as a figure of substantial impact.

Trump is scheduled to headline a Republican National Committee fundraising dinner at a golf club his family owns in the Los Angeles suburb of Rancho Palos Verdes on Tuesday. 

Cops found a loaded magazine in Taele’s pants pocket before searching his car in the parking lot and discovering a loaded pistol and further ammunition. 

On Monday, Taele’s residence in Downey, California was searched and they found even more weapons and ammunition, including an illegally-modified AR-style rifle, .45 caliber pistol, body armor and high-capacity magazines.

They also claimed to have found several notebooks that featured ‘concerning statements,’ as well as two radio devices.  

Taele was arrested under suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of illegal ammunition, including hollow point bullets. 

A law enforcement source told The New York Post that Teale – who claimed to be a Marine Corps veteran – had been seen several times around the golf course the past two months but that it wasn’t clear he was aware Trump was visiting.  

Police said that while the investigation is ongoing, there is ‘no credible threat to our communities.’ 

Taele is also under investigation in connection with a robbery in nearby El Segundo. 

Trump is making a rare visit to California and Nevada this week to try to draw contrasts with Democrats on the economy, border security and crime, seeking to shore up support for Republicans in November elections that will determine whether his party keeps control of Congress.

Trump has faced multiple assassination attempts in recent years, most notably when he was shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania on the campaign trail in 2024.

A jury in 2025 found a man guilty of trying to assassinate Trump at the president´s Florida country club. 

Most recently, an armed man tried to break into the White House Correspondents’ Dinner while Trump was inside. 

As Trump flies to California, he´ll likely throw barbs at the governor, eyed as a likely candidate for the next Democratic presidential nomination.

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said the president plans to ‘draw a sharp contrast between his commonsense agenda and the radical policies of Democrats like Gavin Newsom.’

Trump routinely mocks Newsom using a derogatory nickname. Newsom taunts the president in turn.

The Democrat wrote on social media on Monday that California is raising its minimum wage next year to $17.40 an hour, more than double the federal minimum. 

‘Donald Trump and the GOP are still defending a $7.25 minimum wage while workers scrape by. Pitiful,’ Newsom wrote.

In a pivotal court appearance on Tuesday, Lindsay Clancy directly engaged with the judge by consistently responding, “Yes, Your Honor.” She concurred with allowing prosecutors to presume specific forensic details as factual, merely hours before a state police trooper revealed the absence of any discernible fingerprints on either a knife or three exercise bands.

This progression steers the Massachusetts mother’s murder trial toward the heart of the matter: determining Clancy’s criminal responsibility in the tragic deaths of her three children within their Duxbury household.

Prior to the jury’s entrance, Judge William Sullivan addressed Clancy regarding an agreement pertinent to certain pieces of evidence.

“You acknowledge that by signing this stipulation, you concede that the prosecution need not establish these specific facts included in the agreement,” Sullivan clarified. “Is that understood?”

Clancy confirmed, “Yes, Your Honor.”

Asked whether anyone had forced or threatened her to accept the agreement, Clancy said, “No, Your Honor.”

Sullivan found that Clancy was competent and had entered the stipulation “knowingly, intelligently, voluntarily and willingly.”

Defense attorney Kevin Reddington said the agreement would prevent prosecutors from calling dozens of witnesses solely to establish the chain of custody for blood, bodily fluids, exercise bands and DNA evidence.

“We have not been contesting the government’s case in chief, if you will,” Reddington said.

The stipulation is not a guilty plea or an admission that Clancy was criminally responsible for the deaths of Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months.

Margaret McLean, a former criminal prosecutor and trial attorney who teaches law at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, said the agreement allows the defense to steer jurors away from repetitive forensic testimony and toward Clancy’s mental state.

“The legal strategy behind the move by the defense is to steer the jury’s focus away from the horrific nature of the acts and to that central issue of criminal intent, or what we would call mens rea,” McLean told News Media.

McLean said Clancy’s measured responses Tuesday should not be taken as evidence of her mental condition on Jan. 24, 2023.

“She sounded rational. She understands what she’s doing,” McLean said. “But remember, the Commonwealth’s burden of proof is to prove that she was sane beyond a reasonable doubt at the time the crimes were committed — not today, not two weeks ago.”

Later, Massachusetts State Police Trooper Jonathan O’Loughlin testified about examining a knife and three exercise bands collected from the home.

O’Loughlin said the knife contained an area of friction-ridge impression, but investigators could not use it to identify anyone.

“There was not enough characteristics or minutia to do any comparison,” O’Loughlin said, adding that the impression had “no value.”

The yellow, black and blue exercise bands similarly produced no impressions suitable for comparison.

“The bottom line is that you didn’t get any fingerprints,” Reddington said.

“Correct,” O’Loughlin replied.

O’Loughlin said fingerprints are “very, very, very fragile” and can be affected by an object’s texture, environmental conditions, movement, grip strength or whether a surface was wiped.

McLean said the absence of identifiable prints could make jurors wonder whether gloves were used or the items were wiped, potentially viewing the missing prints as evidence of planning.

The defense, she said, can counter that jurors must not “speculate on something that’s not in evidence.”

“They can use their common sense when they go to the table and they deliberate,” McLean said, “but they can’t speculate [about] things that are not in the evidence.”

“In the end, they treated us terribly.”

Former “Good Day L.A.” host Jillian Barberie didn’t mince words when reflecting on her exit from FOX11, years after the station broke apart one of Los Angeles’ beloved morning crews.

More than ten years following that unexpected departure, Barberie has teamed up with her former co-hosts Steve Edwards and Dorothy Lucey for their new podcast, “So Unanchored.” The trio is rekindling the dynamic energy that originally turned them into local television icons.

“Our chemistry is as strong as ever,” Edwards shared with The Los Angeles Times. “It’s a natural experience, and reconnecting brings us so much joy. There’s definitely an endorphin rush when we’re together.”

“And we like each other more,” Lucey told The Times.

The show, which usually drops Fridays and will tape a live episode Wednesday at 11 a.m., brings back the trio that spent nearly 20 years atop the fiercely competitive LA morning TV race, at times beating network morning shows and rival “The KTLA Morning News.”

Edwards was the veteran newsman, Lucey the upbeat co-host and Barberie the outspoken weather personality known for outrageous comments, including declaring, “my breasts are real.”

Off camera, however, Lucey and Barberie barely hid their dislike for one another.

Barberie once called Lucey “very Christian and Bible-thumpy” on Howard Stern’s radio show, while Lucey often described Barberie as “mean.”

The team unraveled in 2012 when Lucey was fired during a revamp and Barberie left months later after refusing a demotion.

Edwards stayed until his unexplained 2017 exit following allegations of sexual harassment.

The departures sparked protests from viewers and celebrities including Suzanne Somers, Piers Morgan and Simon Cowell.

Barberie’s life quickly unraveled afterward.

“I lost my job, got divorced and got cancer all at the same time,” Barberie told The Times. “The fact that these two were a constant in my life during those 12 years when I was going through all those things is everything. I’m so grateful.”

Ironically, the hardships helped heal the duo’s long-running feud.

“Dorothy and I love each other now,” Barberie said on the podcast.

“We do,” Lucey replied. “Because the last time you saw us, we really didn’t like each other.”

Barberie also made it clear she hasn’t forgiven FOX11.

“I don’t want anything associated with that show,” she said. “Let’s start fresh, man. They used us and they treated us like s— at the end. Who needs them? Goodbye!”

Miami law enforcement was quick to respond to an urgent situation at the home of celebrity blogger Perez Hilton on Tuesday. Officers were alerted after Hilton’s concerning behavior was broadcast live on TikTok.

According to the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched after receiving numerous emergency calls. The reports claimed an individual was engaging in self-harm during the live social media stream, prompting immediate action.

Although the Daily Mail withheld the video, snippets from the broadcast purportedly depicted Hilton with visible injuries, wielding a knife in distressing scenes.

Upon arrival, officers communicated with Hilton’s family members outside the residence. After confirming that Hilton was alone, they opted for a strategic withdrawal while continuing to keep a close watch on the situation.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office emphasized their approach in such sensitive situations: “In incidents involving mental health crises or self-harm, deputies focus on de-escalation. This involves creating time, maintaining distance, and fostering avenues for open dialogue,” they explained to the Daily Mail.

‘Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public.’

‘At this time, deputies have tactically disengaged while continuing to monitor the situation and providing the needed support to his family.’ 

The Daily Mail has reached out to Hilton’s representatives for comment. 

The video has been taken down and Hilton’s account has since been suspended by TikTok. 

It’s unclear who was home at the time the video was filmed before police arrived, but Hilton is father to three children he welcomed via surrogacy. 

His eldest son was born in 2013, followed by two daughters in 2015 and 2017.  

Hilton’s representatives, Golden Artists Entertainment Co-CEOs Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, told TMZ in a statement, ‘We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton.’

‘At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him. Our primary concern is Perez’s health and well-being, as well as the well-being of his family. Until we have confirmed information, we will not speculate or comment further.’

‘We appreciate everyone’s concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time.’ 

Celebrity friends and fans of the blogger – born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr. – took to social media to send him messages, begging for him to seek medical help. 

Former politician George Santos wrote on X, ‘Please pray for Perez Hilton folks. He needs the power of prayer and the strength of our Lord and Savior.’ 

Hilton revealed in March that he had been hospitalized for 21 days as he battled sepsis – the result, he said, of taking flu medication on an empty stomach that triggered a cascade of health problems. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org 

Recent assessments indicate that the United States has exhausted more than half of its weapons stockpiles during its ongoing conflict with Iran. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, while the U.S. maintains enough missiles for continued engagement with Iran, the real concern lies in preparing for future confrontations.

“Even after utilizing half of our armament stocks, we are in a position to sustain long-term operations against Iran,” stated Mark Cancian, a retired U.S. Marines colonel and senior advisor with the CSIS Defense and Security Department. 

Cancian emphasized that the more significant risk involves potential future conflicts, particularly with China in the Western Pacific.

Cancian noted increasing anxiety among military officials regarding weapon supplies, especially when considering other possible global tensions, notably with China.

“Concerns over depleted munitions were pivotal in the decision to halt air strikes,” Cancian explained. “Our arsenal levels fell well below the expectations of strategic planners, potentially emboldening adversaries like China to act.”

Almost one-third of Tomahawk missiles have been used since the war in Iran began. Nearly two-thirds of Patriot missile interceptors have been depleted. Just over half of precision strike missiles remain. 

President Donald Trump insists the U.S. has plenty of munitions to continue in Iran.

“We have a lot of ammunition, different types,” President Trump said in July. “I mean, more than we could ever use, no matter what. But we have a lot. I’d like to have more, to be honest.”

CSIS notes many munition stockpiles are substantial but focused its analysis on seven key weapons that have been effective in Iran and would also be valuable in a possible Pacific conflict.

“We have a defense industrial base that needs to be fixed at a very critical time in our history with the conflict in the Middle East,” Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said. “President Xi of China is watching our stockpiles very closely as he contemplates threatening behavior towards the Taiwan straits, and, so, it all kind of factors in together here. And to be a strong United States, we need a strong military and project strength abroad.”

The Pentagon is requesting significant increases in spending for weapons manufacturing, and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle believe the funding is of importance.

“Look, I have real concerns about our defense industrial base, and God forbid we find ourselves in a lengthy, serious war in our ability to produce what we need,” Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., said. “I actually think it’s a place where you can get some cooperation across the parties who want to see us re-industrialize.”

The Pentagon’s budget request for fiscal year 2027 includes $5.8 Billion for Tomahawk missiles, an increase of 513% from the fiscal year 2026 request. Proposed spending for precision strike missiles is 245% higher, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAADS) is up 650% and the request for Patriot Missile Segment Enhancement is 927% higher.

“Listen, if it’s a $1.5 trillion package for defense, I’m all in. I really am,” Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said. “The munitions are going to be there. We’re going continue to do what we have to do to protect the world, protect Israel and everybody else in the region.”

If and when the funding is approved, it could take years for the new munitions to reach the battlefield.

“It takes quite a long time for the U.S. to produce new interceptors. They’re complex manufacturing assemblages, and thus depleting those stockpiles does leave the U S materially worse off than it otherwise would have been in the current conflict,” said UC Berkeley Senior Research Scholar Cameron Tracy.

The Patriot missiles requested in the fiscal year 2027 budget likely will not be available on the front line for another 3½ years. The Tomahawk estimated delivery time sits at almost four years. Some munitions orders could take as long as five years.

“Before the war, it would typically take about two years for the first system to arrive and then another year after that for the last,” Cancian said. “You have to sign a contract, and then the manufacturer has to go out with the subcontractors and get all the materials. With the war, those timelines have been extended.”

The Trump administration has created framework agreements with contractors to increase production capacity for key munitions. The deals call for new facilities, ambitious timelines and additional weapons systems.

“You can increase production capacity — we are doing that — [for] Patriot and many other systems. First, you have to recruit more people and train them up,” Cancian said. “Then you can expand your facilities, but that takes time. You got to build the facilities, and you got to get all the permits and everything else. So, it can be done. We’re seeing it happen, but, again, it takes time.”