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Investigation Continues into Fire at Vacant Apartment in Champaign

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Investigation Continues into Fire at Vacant Apartment in Champaign


CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Although the flames have been extinguished, the search for the cause of a significant blaze at a Champaign apartment complex over the weekend continues.

According to fire officials, extensive resources were employed to combat the inferno at the Champaign Park Apartments on Saturday. Firefighters remained on the scene for more than 12 hours, starting their efforts around 10:20 a.m. Due to the large number of Champaign firefighters engaged, backup support was provided by the Savoy and Urbana Fire Departments, along with the Cornbelt Fire Protection District, all stationed at Champaign Fire Stations one and six.

US and Iran Prepare for New Talks Amid Ongoing Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

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US and Iran Prepare for New Talks Amid Ongoing Tensions in Strait of Hormuz


The escalating tension between the United States and Iran intensified on Tuesday as the U.S. announced a blockade on Iranian ports, while Tehran threatened retaliatory strikes across the region. In a bid to mediate, Pakistan expressed urgency in facilitating renewed negotiations between the two nations.

Despite a ceasefire established last week, the ongoing confrontation over the strategic Strait of Hormuz threatens to reignite broader hostilities and exacerbate the economic repercussions already felt across the region.

Efforts to broker a lasting peace in the conflict, which erupted on February 28 with coordinated U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, hit a roadblock over the weekend as talks failed to yield an agreement. Nevertheless, Pakistan has offered to host a second round of negotiations in the coming days, hoping for a breakthrough.

Two Pakistani officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, emphasized that the initial talks were part of a continuous diplomatic endeavor rather than an isolated attempt.

Meanwhile, two U.S. officials, also requesting anonymity because of the delicate nature of diplomatic discussions, revealed on Monday that plans for a new round of talks were still in progress. According to them, the specifics regarding the meeting’s location, timing, and the makeup of the delegations remain undecided, though they hinted that discussions could take place as soon as Thursday.

The war, now in its seventh week, has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as a great deal of shipping has been cut off and airstrikes have torn through military and civilian infrastructure across the region.

The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,000 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen U.S. service members have also been killed.

Blockade takes effect

The U.S. military said on Monday that the blockade applied to vessels going to and from Iranian ports. The blockade could restrict the passage of the few ships that Tehran considers friendly, which have been permitted to traverse the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran has curtailed maritime traffic since the start of the war.

Most commercial vessels have avoided the waterway amid Iranian threats, apart from the few allowed to pass through lanes between Iran’s islands and coastline.

Both the nature of enforcement and the extent to which ships will comply remained unclear during its first full day in effect on Tuesday. But there were early signs of hesitation — at least two tankers approaching the strait on Monday turned around shortly after it took effect, vessel tracker MarineTraffic said in a Monday post on X.

Iran’s effective closure of the strait, through which a fifth of global oil transits in peacetime, has sent oil prices skyrocketing, pushing up the cost of gasoline, food and other basic goods far beyond the Middle East.

The blockade is intended to pressure Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil, mostly to Asia, since the war began. Much of it has likely been carried by so-called dark transits that evade sanctions and oversight, providing cash flow that’s been vital to keeping Iran running.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said that Iran’s control of the strait amounted to blackmail and extortion as the U.S. blockade took effect. He said in a social media post that Iran’s navy had been “completely obliterated,” but still had “fast attack ships.”

He warned that “if any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED.”

Iran threatened to retaliate against Persian Gulf ports if attacked.

“If you fight, we will fight,” Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a statement addressed to Trump.

Israel and Lebanon scheduled for talks

Meanwhile, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon were set to begin in Washington on Tuesday, the first such negotiations in decades.

Israel has pressed ahead with its air and ground campaign since last week’s ceasefire in Iran, insisting that it doesn’t apply to fighting in Lebanon. It has, however, halted strikes in the country’s capital since April 8, after a deadly bombardment that hit several crowded commercial and residential areas in central Beirut. It sparked an international outcry and threats by Iran that it would end the ceasefire.

After more than a year of near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon, Israel escalated its offensive in the early days of the war following Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel. The fighting has carved a path of destruction from agricultural towns near the border to Beirut, killing more than 2,000 people and displacing in excess of 1 million others, according to Lebanese authorities.

The talks are expected to be preliminary, focused on setting parameters rather than resolving core issues. Lebanese officials have pushed for a ceasefire, while Israel has framed the negotiations around Hezbollah’s disarmament and a potential peace deal, without publicly committing to halting hostilities or withdrawing its forces.

Israel wants Lebanon’s government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades and said on Monday that it won’t abide by any agreements that may result from the talks.

Renowned Irish Grammy Winner Moya Brennan Passes Away at 73

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Renowned Irish Grammy Winner Moya Brennan Passes Away at 73

The music world is mourning the loss of Moya Brennan, the celebrated Irish Grammy-winning artist, who passed away at the age of 73. Known as the sister of fellow musician Enya, Brennan’s death has prompted a flood of heartfelt tributes.

According to a statement from her family, Moya died on Monday in Donegal, Ireland, with her family by her side. The announcement highlighted that she was “surrounded by her loved ones” at the time of her passing.

Back in 2020, Brennan had publicly disclosed her battle with pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that had put her in consideration for a double lung transplant.

Renowned as the lead vocalist of the band Clannad for over five decades, Moya Brennan was often celebrated as the “First Lady of Celtic Music,” a title reflected in the many tributes she has received.

Among the notable figures paying homage, Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed his sorrow on social media platform X, stating: “Deeply saddened at the passing of Moya Brennan – an iconic Irish voice.”

‘Along with her Clannad bandmates, Moya brought Irish folk music to the international stage. Deepest sympathies to Moya’s family and friends at this difficult time.’

Irish Grammy winner Moya Brennan has died at the age of 73, as tributes pour in for the singer (pictured in 2011)

Irish Grammy winner Moya Brennan has died at the age of 73, as tributes pour in for the singer (pictured in 2011)

Country singer Daniel O’Donnell said Moya ‘never forgot her roots’ despite her success outside of Ireland. 

He told the BBC: ‘She loved the music, and she loved to see people doing well. Especially in these last few years, she loved giving young singers a chance – that was her focus.

‘She was Donegal Person of the Year two years ago, and the important thing in anyone’s life is that your own locality recognises whatever you’re doing, and that was certainly the case for Moya.

‘Everyone around here loved her, and when you met her, she had a great peace about her.’

Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Fein, said Moya’s music ‘touched the hearts and the imaginations of people throughout Ireland and right across the world’.

She said: ‘A legend of celtic folk music. An incredible voice and talent that captured the essence of the Irish people – our language, our heritage, our story.

‘Moya brought a magical, breathtaking quality to her music that touched the hearts and the imaginations of people throughout Ireland and right across the world.

‘She powerfully expressed the beautiful, free, searching spirit of the Gael. Her music and her voice will last forever.’

Her party colleague Pearse Doherty hailed Moya as the ‘First Lady of Celtic music’.

Pearse wrote: ‘Moya gave so much to Ireland and its people. Known as the First Lady of Celtic music, her songs and stories shaped so many lives and will always be cherished.

‘Moya was proud of her roots. A powerful ambassador for Ireland – she took our music, language and culture and shared it with the world.

Left to right: Noel Duggan, Ciaran Brennan, Moya Brennan, Padraig Duggan and Paul Brennan of Irish group Clannad (seen in 1982)

Left to right: Noel Duggan, Ciaran Brennan, Moya Brennan, Padraig Duggan and Paul Brennan of Irish group Clannad (seen in 1982)

‘Thinking of her husband Tim, her two children Aisling and Paul, the wider family, her friends, and all those who knew and loved her.’ 

Moya is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis and their two children; daughter Aisling and son Paul. 

Born Máire Ní Bhraonáin on August 4, 1952, in Gaoth Dobhair, she grew up in a large musical family and began performing with her brothers Pól and Ciarán and their uncles Noel and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin.

Their early pub sessions in their hometown eventually developed into Clannad, who went on to become one of Ireland’s most successful folk acts.

Clannad first gained wider attention after winning the Letterkenny Folk Festival in 1973, which led to touring across Europe.

Their mix of traditional Irish music with contemporary influences helped them stand out at a time when Celtic music rarely crossed into the mainstream.

Clannad became the first band to sing in Irish on Top Of The Pops in 1982, where they performed Harry’s Game, catapulting them to international fame.

The eighties saw the group tour across the globe, and in 1984 they scooped a BAFTA award, following by a Grammy in 1999.  

Clannad’s final studio album, Nádúr, was released in 2013 and they completed their 50th Anniversary In a Lifetime Farewell Tour in 2024.

Moya’s sister Eithne, known globally as Enya, began her career with Clannad before becoming one of the world’s best‑selling solo artists.

Moya's sister Eithne, known globally as Enya, began her career with Clannad before becoming one of the world's best‑selling solo artists (pictured in 2017)

Moya’s sister Eithne, known globally as Enya, began her career with Clannad before becoming one of the world’s best‑selling solo artists (pictured in 2017)

Moya also enjoyed a successful solo career, and in 2011 she won an Emmy for her Music Of Ireland documentary with US broadcaster PBS. 

She collaborated with stars including Mick Jagger, U2’s Bono and Paul Young. 

The Saturdays singer Una Healy shared her tribute on Instagram, penning: ‘Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of the wonderful Moya Brennan, Ireland’s first lady of Celtic music.

‘I had the great pleasure of meeting and singing with Moya on a number of occasions, along with her daughter Aisling and with the Irish Women in Harmony.’

Congressman Swalwell to Step Down in Wake of Sexual Assault and Misconduct Allegations

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Congressman Swalwell to Step Down in Wake of Sexual Assault and Misconduct Allegations


In a dramatic turn of events, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) revealed on Monday his decision to step down from his congressional position amidst serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. This unexpected resignation marks a significant downfall for the influential Democrat, who harbored ambitions to become California’s next governor—a move that underscores a rare revival of the #MeToo movement in the post-Trump era.

Swalwell, now in his seventh term in the House of Representatives, had been a frontrunner in the Democratic primary to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.). His leading position made him a strong contender to win the gubernatorial race in California, the nation’s most populous and economically robust state.

The trajectory of his campaign took a nosedive on Friday when the San Francisco Chronicle released a report detailing accusations from a former aide who claimed that Swalwell had sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions. The situation escalated further with CNN’s subsequent report, which included allegations from three additional women accusing him of sexual misconduct.

Although Swalwell has firmly denied these accusations, the damaging reports led to a swift withdrawal of support from within his own party for his gubernatorial bid. The pressure culminated in his decision to exit the race on Sunday night.

The reverberations of this scandal are reaching Washington, D.C., with an increasing number of lawmakers from both parties urging Swalwell to resign from Congress. In the absence of his resignation, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has indicated her intention to introduce a motion to expel him from the House.

Supporters of Luna’s gambit were reaching for a high bar: Expulsion resolutions require two-thirds of the House to pass. But in a forecast that life in the Capitol was about to get very tough for Swalwell, even a number of Democrats were going public in recent days to support the idea of ejecting their colleague.  

The list included fellow Californians, like Rep. Jared Huffman (D), as well as close friends, like Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who was well known as a bar-hopping partner of Swalwell’s around Washington. Gallego on Monday took the extraordinary step to say Swalwell “is no longer fit to be a Member of Congress.” 

“I trusted someone who I believed was a friend, but it is now clear that he is not the person I thought I knew,” Gallego posted on the social platform X. “The women who have come forward have shown courage. They deserve to be believed, to be supported, and to see justice served.”

With pressure building by the hour — and an expulsion vote looming later in the week — Swalwell issued a statement Monday evening to announce his resignation. He suggested some of the allegations about extramarital adventures had some basis in truth, but he also amplified previous denials that he had sexually assaulted a staffer. Still, he said he intends to fight the accusations as a private citizen to spare his family and constituents the distraction of the scandal. 

“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” he wrote. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”

Shortly after Swalwell announced his decision, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who had also been facing bipartisan calls to resign over sexual misconduct allegations, announced he would exit Congress, too.

“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas,” Gonzales wrote Monday on X. 

A successful expulsion would have been unprecedented in the modern era, when Congress typically awaits the outcome of House Ethics Committee investigations or outside criminal probes before ejecting lawmakers who were sent to Washington by voters. The last such case, former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), was expelled in 2023 only after the Ethics panel had issued a damning report about campaign finance violations and other ethical infractions. 

Those trends were not overlooked by Swalwell, who denounced the idea that he should be pushed out so quickly even as he was announcing his departure.

“I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong,” he said. “But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties.”

Luna wrote on X that Swalwell did the “right thing” by resigning, but she added: “Don’t you dare say there weren’t grounds for your expulsion because there absolutely were.”

“He made the correct decision, but there still needs to be a full-fledged criminal investigation. Based on what I’m hearing, he may go to jail,” she said.

The stunning turn of events is creating headaches for Democratic leaders, who are hoping to highlight the many controversies surrounding President Trump and make Republican corruption a central theme on the campaign trail this year. Increasingly, they’re seeing that message diluted by scandals dogging members of their own party. 

In the Capitol, Swalwell was closely allied with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who tapped him to lead the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee — a powerful panel that guides committee assignments — over the course of several Congresses. She also elevated him to be one of the Democratic managers making the case for Trump’s second impeachment after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. 

But the expulsion wars sparked by allegations against Swalwell are far from over. 

There are also growing calls for Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and Cory Mills (R-Fla.) to step down. A House Ethics subcommittee last month announced the panel had proven 25 of 27 counts of ethics violations against Cherfilus-McCormick, centering on allegations that she used millions in improperly paid federal disaster funds to finance her campaign. The committee said it is holding a hearing on April 21 to determine what kind of sanctions would be appropriate to take against her.

Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has already filed a resolution to expel Cherfilus-McCormick, which Luna said she would “fully be backing and supporting.” Steube previously told The Hill he is waiting until the Ethics panel completes its full process before calling up his resolution.

Mills, meanwhile, is under investigation by a House Ethics subcommittee over a wide swath of allegations, including whether he violated campaign finance laws, received special favors in his position, engaged in sexual misconduct and misused congressional resources.

Trump Criticizes Pope for Political Involvement: Claims Pontiff “Probably Learned” to Avoid Politics

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Trump Criticizes Pope for Political Involvement: Claims Pontiff “Probably Learned” to Avoid Politics

In the ever-evolving world of politics, Donald Trump has weighed in on a recent spat with Pope Leo. The former President commented that the Pope has “probably learned” a lesson about the intersection of faith and politics after their recent disagreement. Additionally, Trump addressed why he chose to remove a controversial social media post that depicted him as Jesus Christ.

During an interview with CBS News on Monday, Trump expressed his decision to publicly criticize the American-born Pope. This reaction was sparked by a segment on 60 Minutes, in which Pope Leo voiced his disapproval of Trump’s Iran war stance and his approach to immigration.

“He’s wrong on the issues,” Trump stated firmly. “I don’t think he should be getting into politics. I think he probably learned that from this.”

When questioned about the possibility of reaching out to Pope Leo, Trump was forthright, responding with a simple “no.” He also mentioned that he had “no idea” if the Pope would visit the United States during his presidency, emphasizing that the decision rested solely with the pontiff.

“It’s up to him, not up to me,” Trump remarked, leaving the door open for future developments in this intriguing political and religious dynamic.

The President continued to assert that the AI image was meant to be of him as a doctor but said he was taken aback by the anger toward him from seemingly both sides of the aisle. 

‘I viewed that as a picture of me being a doctor in fixing — you had the Red Cross right there, you had, you know, medical people surrounding me,’ he said. 

‘And I was like the doctor, you know, as a little fun playing the doctor and making people better. So that’s what it was viewed as. That’s what most people thought.’

Trump also said he believed the image was made by ‘a very beautiful, talented artist’ before revealing what led him to delete it. 

Donald Trump believes Pope Leo XIV has 'probably learned' to stay away from politics and revealed why he took down the controversial AI image of himself resembling Jesus Christ

Donald Trump believes Pope Leo XIV has ‘probably learned’ to stay away from politics and revealed why he took down the controversial AI image of himself resembling Jesus Christ

Trump revealed that the slam of the Chicago-born Pope Leo came after seeing a 60 Minutes segment that showcased his disapproval of the Iran War and Trump's immigration agenda

Trump revealed that the slam of the Chicago-born Pope Leo came after seeing a 60 Minutes segment that showcased his disapproval of the Iran War and Trump’s immigration agenda

‘Normally I don’t like doing that, but I didn’t want to have anybody be confused. People were confused,’ he added.

The Pope said on Monday that he plans to continue speaking out against war, telling Reuters: ‘I don’t want to get into a debate with him.’

Speaking aboard the papal flight to Algiers, where Leo is starting a 10-day tour to four African countries, he added: ‘I don’t think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.

‘I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialog and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems. 

‘Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there’s a better way.’

It comes amid a growing row between Trump and the head of the Catholic Church, who has in recent weeks condemned rhetoric coming out of the White House and called for peace in the Middle East.

In a fiery rant on Truth Social, Trump branded the pontiff ‘WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy’.

He then sparked further controversy after posting an AI-generated image seemingly depicting himself as Jesus Christ, triggering backlash among his usual supporters and Catholics on social media.

The President again created a viral stir with a lengthy roast of the 'weak on crime' pontiff before posting the image that even had some supporters criticizing him

The President again created a viral stir with a lengthy roast of the ‘weak on crime’ pontiff before posting the image that even had some supporters criticizing him

It came after the US President unleashed an attack on Pope Leo on social media, branding him 'WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy'

It came after the US President unleashed an attack on Pope Leo on social media, branding him ‘WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy’

It came after the President claimed that Leo, 70, was only made Pope ‘because he was an American’, adding: ‘If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.’

In the AI-generated image posted on Truth Social, Trump appears dressed in red and white robes as he cures a man with his healing hand while the American flag waves in the background.

He had earlier told reporters on Sunday at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland: ‘I’m not a big fan of Pope Leo. He’s a very liberal person, and he’s a man that doesn’t believe in stopping crime.’ 

Trump also accused the leader of the Catholic Church, which has 1.4billion members, of ‘toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon’.

He lashed out again at the pontiff on Sunday night, writing on Truth Social: ‘I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.

‘I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States and, even worse, emptying their prisons, including murderers, drug dealers, and killers, into our Country.’ 

The President went deeper on his opposition to Pope Leo and the church’s stance on several issues including COVID lockdowns.  

‘He talks about “fear” of the Trump Administration, but doesn’t mention the FEAR that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian Organizations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else, for holding Church Services, even when going outside, and being ten and even twenty feet apart,’ Trump wrote.

The Pope said on Monday that he plans to continue speaking out against war

The Pope said on Monday that he plans to continue speaking out against war 

The President then claimed that Pope Leo ‘criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do.’

The outburst followed recent criticism from the Pope over the weekend about the actions of the US military in Iran.

On Saturday he told worshippers at St Peter’s Basilica: ‘Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!’

Last week he criticized the President over his threats against the country, when he warned that ‘a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again’.

The Pope called it a ‘truly unacceptable’ statement.

In the lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump said: ‘Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise.

‘He wasn’t on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump. If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.’

Trump then condemned the Pope for his meeting with Barack Obama‘s campaign manager, David Axelrod, who the President called an ‘Obama sympathiser’ and ‘a LOSER from the Left, who is one of those who wanted churchgoers and clerics to be arrested’.

The outburst followed recent criticism from the Pope over the weekend about the actions of the US military in Iran

The outburst followed recent criticism from the Pope over the weekend about the actions of the US military in Iran

He added: ‘Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church!’ 

Catholics on social media quickly lambasted Trump for attacking the leader of their Church, who they believe is the successor of St. ​Peter, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles.

‘There is no ambiguity about the situation now,’ Massimo Faggioli, an expert on the papacy, told Reuters.

He compared the ​comments to efforts by the leaders of Germany and Italy during World War Two to draw the late Pope Pius ⁠XII to support their causes.

‘Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the pope so directly and publicly,’ said Faggioli.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the US Conference ​of Catholic Bishops, said he was disheartened by Trump’s comments.

‘Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ ​who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls,’ he said in a statement. 

Bishop Robert Barron, who has led the Diocese of Winona–Rochester in Southern Minnesota since 2022, said Trump’s comments about the Pope were ‘entirely inappropriate and disrespectful’ and called on the President to issue an apology.

Iran exploited the chorus of condemnation, with President Masoud Pezeshkian writing on X: ‘His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person.

‘I wish you glory by Allah,’ he said.

Trump eventually removed the AI image of him appearing to look like Jesus Christ on Monday afternoon. 

Two Suspects Stand Trial for Alleged Underworld Assassination Plot at Local Cafe

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Two Suspects Stand Trial for Alleged Underworld Assassination Plot at Local Cafe

Prosecutors claim that two gunmen, hired for a “planned underworld hit,” switched vehicles three times before a driver helped them cross the border following the murder of a gangland figure at a cafe.

Underworld figure Gavin Preston, 50, was gunned down by two men dressed in black while eating breakfast at a cafe in Melbourne’s north-west on September 9, 2023.

Jaeden Tito, aged 25, and Rabii Zahabe, aged 26, appeared in the Supreme Court in Melbourne today as their trial began. They stand accused of the murder of a man named Preston.

Underworld figure Gavin Preston, 50, was gunned down by two men dressed in black while eating breakfast at a cafe in Melbourne's north-west on September 9, 2023.
Underworld figure Gavin Preston, 50, was gunned down by two men dressed in black while eating breakfast at a cafe in Melbourne’s north-west on September 9, 2023. (Nine)

In addition to murder charges, both Tito and Zahabe face charges of attempted murder against Abbas Maghnie, who was with Preston during the incident.

Both men have pleaded not guilty, maintaining that they were not the shooters involved in the crime.

According to prosecutor Christie Churchill, the incident took place outside Sweet Lulus cafe in Keilor, which was bustling with customers enjoying a sunny Saturday morning when Preston and Maghnie were targeted.

Chilling footage played to a jury of 14 showed shocked patrons sitting outside the cafe and then fleeing as shots were fired by two gunmen.

Churchill alleged Tito and Zahabe were hired gunmen, who had others help them planning the hit, but said it was unknown who had hired the pair.

“We say this was a contract killing, planned, prepared targeted, with other unknown people involved in the organisation of it,” Churchill told the jury.

“This was a planned underworld hit.”

The prosecutor claimed Tito and Zahabe sat inside an Audi Q5 at the Keilor Hotel car park, opposite the cafe, for about three hours before the alleged murder.

They are also each charged with the attempted murder of Abbas Maghnie, who was with Preston at the time.
They are also each charged with the attempted murder of Abbas Maghnie, who was with Preston at the time. (Nine)

The Audi left the car park at 10.17am and stopped adjacent to the cafe, where two men carrying firearms got out and ran towards Preston, she said.

The shooters, whom Churchill alleged were Tito and Zahabe, were wearing all black with face coverings and gloves.

She claimed Tito raised his gun and fired “immediately” at Preston, while Zahabe took aim at Maghnie.

“Mr Maghnie turns [his] head in their direction, starts running from table as gunshots start … the deceased did not appear to see what was about to happen,” she said.

Jaeden Tito, 25, and Rabii Zahabe, 26, faced the Supreme Court in Melbourne today for their first day on trial accused of Preston's murder.
Jaeden Tito, 25, and Rabii Zahabe, 26, faced the Supreme Court in Melbourne today for their first day on trial accused of Preston’s murder. (Nine)

She said Preston slumped forward as he was hit with seven bullets and fell headfirst to the ground, before he was declared dead at the scene.

Maghnie was struck with one bullet, but survived after being hospitalised.

Churchill said the two gunmen got back in the Audi and drove through residential streets at high speed before setting it on fire.

Preston and Maghnie were sitting outside Sweet Lulus cafe in Keilor, which was busy and full of customers on a sunny Saturday morning, prosecutor Christie Churchill said.
Preston and Maghnie were sitting outside Sweet Lulus cafe in Keilor, which was busy and full of customers on a sunny Saturday morning, prosecutor Christie Churchill said. (Nine)

She said a resident heard an explosion and large flames were seen coming from the Audi and alleged Tito suffered burns to his left arm as he tried to put out the fire by “patting it”.

Churchill alleged the men set fire to a second car and dumped a third, before jumping into a chauffeur-driven vehicle and leaving Victoria.

The chauffeur had allegedly been pre-arranged via an encrypted app, with the two men driven to NSW by the man who overheard one of them say “we are brothers now”.

Churchill alleged Zahabe had googled “no extradition countries” after getting home, while Tito had injuries to his left arm in photos posted to social media by his girlfriend in the days after the shooting.

The prosecution will show the jury DNA evidence that allegedly links the two accused killers to the cars and items found inside them, she said.

Zahabe’s barrister Paul Smallwood said his client denied he was one of the shooters and asked jurors to consider the attempted murder charge as separate to murder.

Daniel Sala, Tito’s barrister, said he denied firing at Preston and urged jurors to keep a “blank slate” in their minds as they hear the evidence.

The trial continues tomorrow.

Weekend Heatwave Approaching 90°: Find Out When the Cooldown Begins

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Weekend Heatwave Approaching 90°: Find Out When the Cooldown Begins


ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is in for a spell of warmth and minimal rainfall, with temperatures set to increase slightly before a mild front introduces some shifts in the weather early next week.

Dominating high pressure will persist over the region in the coming days, significantly reducing the likelihood of rain and ensuring ample sunshine typical of the Sunshine State.

Expect breezy conditions to linger for one more day, as eastern winds blow at speeds between 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph.

Although the coastal areas might experience a few brief, light sprinkles moving onshore, the majority of the region will remain dry.

Daytime temperatures will peak around 80 degrees near the coast and range from the low to mid-80s farther inland.

Strong onshore breeze will maintain a high risk of rip currents along all of our Atlantic beaches.

Through the rest of the week, the warm and dry pattern stays locked in as temperatures climb into the upper 80s to low 90s by Friday and into the weekend. Some inland spots could come close to record highs by then, including Leesburg.

By late Sunday into early Monday, a weak cold front is expected to move through, bringing a slight cooldown and the return of a few rain chances. Latest models show limited rain and breezy conditions into early next week, with highs back to the lower 80s.

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Simone Ashley Stands by ‘Bridgerton’ Amidst Screen Time Controversy: Here’s Why She’s Unwavering

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Simone Ashley Stands by ‘Bridgerton’ Amidst Screen Time Controversy: Here’s Why She’s Unwavering

Actress Simone Ashley recently spoke about her unwavering commitment to the hit series Bridgerton, even as her character Kate experiences less prominence on screen.

Appearing on “The Louis Theroux Podcast” on Monday, April 13, Ashley, 31, praised co-star Jonathan Bailey for instilling in her the importance of prioritizing the show. She remarked, “He set a great example of — for lack of a better word — loyalty to the show. Bridgerton is all about family, returning home, and being with loved ones, and many of us have embraced that mindset.”

Ashley, who has gleaned significant insights from 37-year-old Bailey, expressed her appreciation for the familial atmosphere on set.

“When we return to filming, there’s this sense of coming home and belonging to a family,” she shared. “I can only speak for myself and Johnny, but we always ensure our schedules align so we can make it work.”

Francesca-and-Michaela-BRIDGERTON_406_Unit_03189R

As Bridgerton gears up for its fifth season, not all cast members have been confirmed to return. The series, rooted in Julia Quinn’s beloved novels, follows the romantic pursuits of the affluent Bridgerton family set in 19th century London. The inaugural season focused on Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor, and her journey…

Ashley continued: “He flew between Toronto and London back and forth whilst he was filming Wicked. Thank God I’ve not been filming during the start of this year. I’ve done like eight cities in one month. So that would have been a bit nuts to figure out. But I would have done it. I would have scheduled it.”

Kate’s romance with Anthony (Bailey) was the focus of Bridgerton season 2. Since most of the season was focused on Anthony getting out of a courtship with her sister, Edwina (Charithra Chandran), before getting together with Kate, viewers were expecting the pair to play a large role in season 3.

Bridgerton
Colin Hutton / ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

Season 3, however, featured Anthony and Kate sharing only a handful of scenes before disappearing on a second honeymoon. They returned toward the end of the season to announce Kate’s pregnancy, which is when the pair decided to take a trip to India. Season 4, meanwhile, explained Anthony and Kate’s continued absence by keeping them in India after the arrival of their first baby.

“I think the strength of sending them off to India for a little while is that it does leave the door open for them to come back, schedules allowing,” Brownell told Teen Vogue of the characters in June 2024. “I think, understandably, when any of our lead actors have given over their lives for their season, in future seasons, we want to be supportive of the fact that they do have other projects coming in, and to ask actors to come back just to be in the background is not really fair to them.”

At the time, Brownell explained the planned vision for Kate and Anthony.

Simone Ashley Breaks Down How She Filming the Iconic Bridgerton Rain Scene With Jonathan Bailey 337

Kate and Anthony don’t need to be Bridgerton leads for fans to follow along with their love story — that’s what spinoffs are for. The hit Netflix series introduced viewers to Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate (Simone Ashley) during the second season, which was released in 2022. After meddling in his sister Daphne’s (Phoebe Dynevor) […]

“I think after all they went through in their season, obviously, the focus for us this season was just showing them in a more loving place. But we also wanted to underscore how they’re still the Kate and Anthony you know,” she continued. “They still banter with each other and get annoyed at each other. We wanted them to show up in that way … They’re in a much wiser place, both of them, in their relationship to relationships.”

Brownell clarified why Anthony and thus Kate were barely in season 4, telling People, “I think for [Luke Thompson’s] Benedict in particular, it was important for Anthony to be elsewhere in part 1, to give Benedict a moment to struggle with the weight of being the second son who’s filling in for the viscount.”

She added: “For Anthony to be in India — or later in Aubrey Hall — it allows Benedict the chance to rise or to fail. It also felt incredibly important to bring Anthony back, because the relationship with Benedict is so key between the first and the second [parts of season 4].”

Bridgerton is currently streaming on Netflix.

Tragedy in Turkey: Former Student’s Rampage at High School Leaves 16 Injured

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Tragedy in Turkey: Former Student’s Rampage at High School Leaves 16 Injured

In a tragic event on Tuesday, a former student opened fire at a high school in southeastern Turkey, injuring at least 16 individuals before taking his own life, according to local officials.

The 18-year-old, wielding a shotgun, unleashed a random attack at a vocational high school located in the Siverek district of Sanliurfa province, then sought refuge within the school premises.


A former student opened fire at a high school in southeast Turkey on Tuesday, wounding at least 16 people before killing himself
A former student opened fire at a high school in southeast Turkey on Tuesday, wounding at least 16 people before killing himself. IHA

Governor Hasan Sildak confirmed that the shooter subsequently turned the weapon on himself, resulting in his death.

Reports from NTV television indicate that one of the injured, a teacher, is in critical condition following the incident.

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, as such violent events are uncommon in Turkey’s educational institutions.

Police special operations units were deployed after the assailant refused to surrender, while all staff and students were evacuated, NTV said.


The 18-year-old attacker, armed with a shotgun, fired randomly at a vocational high school in Siverek, Sanliurfa province, before hiding inside the building.
The 18-year-old attacker, armed with a shotgun, fired randomly at a vocational high school in Siverek, Sanliurfa province, before hiding inside the building. IHA

Video footage showed dozens of students running out of the school toward the gate and onto the street.

How a Haunted Church Experience Led Country Star Ella Langley to Renew Her Faith

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How a Haunted Church Experience Led Country Star Ella Langley to Renew Her Faith


Ella Langley recently shared insights into her experience growing up in a small Southern Baptist community.

While chatting on the “This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von” podcast, the 26-year-old country music artist reflected on her childhood in a quaint Alabama town, particularly recalling the fear instilled by the church’s “judgment houses.”

“They hold these events around Halloween,” she explained. “It’s essentially a Christian-themed haunted house. Really terrifying. I remember going with our youth group. You walk in, and there’s a car crash scene, and the whole idea is to convince you that life is fragile, and you should make sure your soul is saved before you leave.”

Langley admitted these experiences had a profound impact on her, prompting her to raise her hand when asked if anyone wanted to talk, leading her to “get saved again.”

Recalling her father’s reaction, the “Excuse the Mess” performer mentioned he said, “Well, you’re kind of silly because that’s the whole purpose of being saved.”

Langley explained that she was homeschooled for many years, and her life consisted of going to church, noting, “Pretty much all we did was go to church.”

She noted it was a “really, really small church. It started in a barn. The house that I also grew up in, my dad grew up in, and there was an old barn across the street, and it started in hay bales on that barn, and then they moved it to a church, and I mean every Sunday and Wednesday until I was 18 years old.”

She compared growing up in a small town to her experience with fame, explaining, “You’ve known all these people your whole life,” and growing up in that environment, “I would hear s— about me all the time,” adding, “you just get used to that.”

Langley began her career on social media, gaining a following by posting covers on TikTok and Instagram, leading her to release her EP “Excuse the Mess” in 2023.

The EP helped solidify her fan base and included many of her early hits, including “If You Have To” and “Country Boy’s Dream Girl.” She achieved mainstream success when she collaborated with Riley Green on her hit song “You Look Like You Love Me,” which went viral on TikTok, got millions of streams on Spotify and Apple Music, and expanded her audience.

Her debut studio album, “Hungover,” was released in August 2024, and in April 2025, Langley was presented with the ACM New Female Artist of the Year award by country icon Miranda Lambert, who has become a good friend to the budding star.

“I was singing constantly as a kid. Like I said, I’ve known my whole life what I wanted to do, so I was always doing it,” she told Grammy.com in August 2024, adding she became a stronger songwriter during COVID, saying, “all I did was write, write, write.”

The “Choosin’ Texas” singer told the outlet that storytelling is in her blood, noting, her “dad’s an incredible storyteller” and so was her grandpa. “Storytelling is what my family did,” she said.

When speaking with Theo Von on the podcast, she credited her grandparents on her father’s side for nurturing her love of music, saying her “grandpa could play anything by ear.”

“I was, like, the first girl in the family, and I started to match pitch with [my grandma] as a baby, and so she figured out I could sing, and singing was her thing, and my grandpa could, like I said, play any instrument by ear, and so at their house, that’s all we did,” she said

“I sang at church a lot. I learned how to read from singing hymnals,” she added. “I really, just the whole time, like, my whole family, we all just were like, ‘This is what she’s gonna do.’”
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