Subscribe
Home Blog Page 224

Unveiling Pakistan’s Power Player: Meet Asim Munir, Trump’s Trusted Army Chief with Deep Intelligence Roots

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Unveiling Pakistan’s Power Player: Meet Asim Munir, Trump’s Trusted Army Chief with Deep Intelligence Roots

Mark Dubowitz says Trump holds ‘maximum leverage’ over Iran as ceasefire begins

Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, provides insight into President Trump’s steadfast stance on Iran following a ceasefire agreement that lasted two weeks. Dubowitz emphasizes how Iran has been significantly weakened during the 15 months of Trump’s leadership, suggesting that Iran’s ambitious 10-point peace proposal, filled with what he describes as “unreasonable demands,” is unlikely to gain traction. He explores the critical decision awaiting Iran’s new administration.

President Donald Trump extended his gratitude to what he described as Pakistan’s “outstanding prime minister and military leader, two incredible individuals!!!” in a post on Truth Social, acknowledging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s military chief, Asim Munir.

In a swift response, Sharif expressed his heartfelt thanks on X, stating, “On behalf of the people of Pakistan, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and myself, I sincerely appreciate your kind and generous words.”

This public exchange highlights the notable ascent of Munir, who has emerged as one of the few foreign dignitaries trusted by both Trump and Iran’s security apparatus.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance walking with Pakistani officials in Islamabad

Vice President JD Vance was seen walking alongside Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, and Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi upon arriving in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 11, 2026, for discussions with Iranian officials.

Munir recently became the first foreign military leader to visit Iran since the latest escalation between the United States and Iran, according to Pakistani and Iranian reports. Arriving in full military uniform, he was warmly greeted by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and held meetings with senior Iranian military officials.

Retired Pakistani Gen. Ahmed Saeed told Fox News Digital that Munir has for months served as an informal back channel between Washington and Tehran, Iran, as the Trump administration tries to negotiate an end to the conflict, Iran’s nuclear program and the naval blockade in the Persian Gulf.

Few foreign figures appear to have closer ties both to Trump and to Iran’s military hierarchy.

That has raised a striking question: How did the same man become close both to Trump and to some of Iran’s most powerful commanders?

Saeed, who said he has known Munir personally for years, told Fox News Digital that Munir began building ties with Iran while serving as Pakistan’s director general of military intelligence in 2016 and 2017.

“He has been interacting with the leadership. He has been interacting with the intelligence community. He has been interacting with the IRGC,” or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Saeed said.

According to Saeed, Munir built ties not only with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps but also with Iran’s regular army and intelligence apparatus. Saeed said Munir had longstanding contact with former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. strike in 2020, commander Hossein Salami, who was killed in an Israeli strike in June 2025, and other Iranian military figures.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meets with Pakistanâs Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir

Few foreign figures appear to have closer ties both to Trump and to Iran’s military hierarchy.  (Iranian Presidency / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“He continues to be a figure internationally who has personal interactions, a personal equation in the intelligence community in Iran, in the military hierarchy in Iran, in the diplomatic corps of Iran and also on the side of the political leadership,” Saeed said.

That longstanding relationship appears to explain why Iran welcomed him so warmly, even as he remains in direct contact with Trump and his team.

Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Bill Roggio told Fox News Digital that, “Trump should not trust the Pakistanis. Pakistan was a perfidious ‘ally’ in Afghanistan, backing the Taliban while pretending to be our friends. Munir’s ties to the IRGC should be a massive red flag for the Trump admin.”

Munir’s relationship with Trump dates back to the India–Pakistan crisis of May 2025. Munir played a key role in helping de-escalate the confrontation, and afterward Pakistan formally nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, a move widely viewed by Pakistani analysts as encouraged by Munir.

US Vice President JD Vance (C) speaks with Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (L)

Pakistan’s Asim Munir has become one of the few foreign officials trusted by both President Donald Trump and Iran’s security establishment, according to Pakistani analysts and officials. (Jacquelyn Martin / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Since then, Trump repeatedly has praised him. Trump has called Munir an “exceptional man,” a “great fighter” and “my favorite field marshal.” 

Pakistani officials and media reports say the two men now speak directly.

Pakistani analyst Raza Rumi told Fox News Digital that Munir’s appeal to Trump is not surprising.

“Trump has long shown a preference for strong, decisive leaders,” Rumi said. “Munir fits that mold as a centralized authority figure who can deliver outcomes.”

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi greeted by Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir at Nur Khan airbase

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were greeted by Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir upon their arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, April 11, 2026. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs/AP)

Rumi described Munir as “a disciplined, institution-first leader with a strong emphasis on order, hierarchy and strategic clarity.”

“Unlike more publicly charismatic military figures, his style is relatively understated, shaped by intelligence work and operational experience rather than overt political signaling,” Rumi said.

Munir’s background helps explain both his style and his influence.

Munir studied at the Fuji School in Japan, the Command and Staff College in Quetta, the Malaysian Armed Forces College in Kuala Lumpur, and Pakistan’s National Defence University, where he earned an master of philosophy degree n public policy and strategic security management, according to Pakistan’s Geo News. Munir was the first army chief in Pakistan to receive the Sword of Honour, the military’s highest distinction for a cadet. The outlet also described him as an avid reader, traveler and sportsman.

Munir is also a Hafiz-e-Quran, meaning he has memorized the entire Quran by heart.

A former head of both Pakistan’s Military Intelligence and Inter-Services Intelligence agencies, Munir spent years overseeing Pakistan’s most sensitive regional relationships, including with Iran, Afghanistan and India.

Vice President JD Vance shaking hands with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad

Vice President JD Vance shakes hands with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on April 12, 2026, after talks on Iran. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Chief of Defence Forces Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir, and U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker look on as Vance prepares to board Air Force Two. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

In 2025, after the India-Pakistan crisis, he was elevated to field marshal, the first Pakistani officer to hold the rank since former military ruler Ayub Khan.

Pakistani officials say that later that year, he also was given the newly created title of chief of defense forces, further cementing his authority above the country’s military branches.

Munir rarely gives interviews, but his speeches offer clues to his worldview.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian meets with Pakistanâs Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir

A former head of both Pakistan’s Military Intelligence and Inter-Services Intelligence agencies, Munir spent years overseeing Pakistan’s most sensitive regional relationships, including with Iran, Afghanistan and India. (Iranian Presidency / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

At the Margalla Dialogue in Islamabad in November 2024, he warned that “absence of proper regulations for freedom of expression is leading to the deterioration of moral values in societies worldwide.”

The remark reflected a broader emphasis on order, discipline and centralized authority.

Rumi said Munir operates from “a transactional, state-centric worldview rather than an ideological one.”

Yet critics argue that his rise has come at a cost to Pakistan’s democracy.

After becoming army chief in 2022, Munir focused heavily on domestic politics, including what critics described as a crackdown on political opposition and an unprecedented concentration of military power, according to The Guardian, which reported that key negotiations with the United States and Iran have been coordinated not from Islamabad, Pakistan’s civilian capital, but from Rawalpindi, the headquarters of the military.

A broken frame of Pakistan's field marshal and army chief, Asim Munir

A broken frame of Pakistan’s field marshal and army chief, Asim Munir, hangs on the wall after an attack at the Cadet College Wana, a military-linked school, in the South Waziristan district near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Nov. 13, 2025.  (Aamir Qureshi / AFP via Getty Images)

Critics say that reflects a broader reality: Pakistan’s foreign policy is increasingly being run by the army rather than the elected government.

Rumi said Munir’s rise reflects “the military increasingly eclipsing civilian leadership in Pakistan.”

As the current negotiations continue, much appears to rest on Munir. Saeed said that is because Munir has spent years building trust on both sides and is unlikely to stop now.

“Knowing our field marshal, and from my own personal knowledge of him, he is relentless. He would not give up,” Saeed said.

Efrat Lachter is a foreign correspondent for Fox News Digital covering international affairs and the United Nations. Follow her on X @efratlachter. Stories can be sent to efrat.lachter@fox.com.

Iran Tightens Grip on Strait of Hormuz Amid Accusations of US Treaty Breach

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Iran Tightens Grip on Strait of Hormuz Amid Accusations of US Treaty Breach


CAIRO (AP) — Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated on Saturday as the United States continued its strategy to isolate Iranian ports, while Iran backtracked on its decision to reopen the vital maritime passage.

This uncertainty over the crucial shipping lane threatens to exacerbate the ongoing global energy crisis and could potentially reignite hostilities between the two nations. Despite this, negotiators remain hopeful that a new agreement is within reach.

On Saturday, Iran’s joint military command announced that the “control of the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its previous status under stringent management and oversight by the armed forces.” They cautioned that the strait would remain closed to transit as long as the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports persisted.

Ebrahim Azizi, who leads Iran’s National Security Commission in parliament, remarked that the strait is “returning to the status quo.” Previously, this meant that ships needed Iranian naval clearance and had to pay a toll before passing through.

This development followed a statement by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, who had earlier declared the strait open in conjunction with a 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon. Halting Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah was a primary condition for Iranian negotiators, who accused Israel of violating a previous ceasefire with strikes in Lebanon. Israel maintained that its agreement did not extend to Lebanon.

U.S. President Donald Trump first appeared to take a similar position on reopening the strait before later saying the American blockade “will remain in full force” regardless of what Iran does until a deal is reached, including about Iran’s nuclear program.

Even as the U.S.-Iran ceasefire appeared to hold, the back-and-forth over the strait — through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes — highlighted how easily it could unravel

Control over the strait has proven to be one Iran’s main points of leverage and prompted the United States to deploy forces and initiate a blockade on Iranian ports as part of an effort to force Iran to accept a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire to end almost seven weeks of war that has raged between Israel, the U.S. and Iran.

A data firm, Kpler, said movement through the strait remained confined to corridors requiring Iran’s approval.

U.S. forces have sent 21 ships back to Iran since the blockade began on Monday, U.S. Central Command said on X.

Pakistan announces progress toward new deal

Despite the escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistani officials say the United States and Iran are still moving closer to a deal ahead of the April 22 ceasefire deadline.

The ceasefire in Lebanon could clear one major obstacle to an agreement. Speaking at a diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkey, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the ceasefire in Lebanon was a positive sign, noting that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah had been a key sticking point before talks in Islamabad ended “very close” to an agreement last weekend.

Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Tehran, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Antalya, the military and Sharif’s office said. Pakistan is expected to host a second round of talks between Iran and the U.S. early next week.

Questions linger about Lebanon truce

Even though mediators were optimistic, it was unclear to what extent Hezbollah would abide by a truce it did not play a role in negotiating and which will leave Israeli troops occupying a stretch of southern Lebanon.

Trump said in another post that Israel is “prohibited” by the U.S. from further strikes on Lebanon and that “enough is enough” in the Israel-Hezbollah war.

The State Department said the prohibition applies only to offensive attacks and not to actions taken in self-defense.

Shortly before Trump’s post, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel agreed to the ceasefire in Lebanon “at the request of my friend President Trump,” but that the campaign against Hezbollah is not complete.

He claimed Israel had destroyed about 90% of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket stockpiles and added that Israeli forces “have not finished yet” with the dismantling of the group.

In Beirut, displaced families began moving toward southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs despite warnings by officials not to return to their homes until it became clear whether the ceasefire would hold.

The Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon reported sporadic artillery shelling in some parts of southern Lebanon in the hours after the ceasefire took effect.

The war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28, has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen U.S. service members have also been killed.

__ Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank. Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Andrew Wilks in Antalya, Turkey contributed to this report.

Carfentanil Crisis: The Alarming Rise of a Lethal Fentanyl Alternative

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Carfentanil Crisis: The Alarming Rise of a Lethal Fentanyl Alternative


Nearly 20 years after overcoming drug addiction and completing rehab as a teenager, Michael Nalewaja, now 36, was enjoying a peaceful life in Alaska, working as an electrician.

However, this tranquility was shattered just days before Thanksgiving 2025. Michael and a friend accidentally consumed a deadly mix of fentanyl and carfentanil, likely mistaking it for cocaine.

“When I heard the word ‘autopsy,’ I just collapsed,” recounted his mother, Kelley Nalewaja, reflecting on the devastating call she received from Michael’s wife. “Even if Narcan had been on hand, and 911 called immediately, he wouldn’t have made it.”

Carfentanil, a highly potent chemical described by experts as 10,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times more powerful than fentanyl, is experiencing a dangerous resurgence in the U.S., resulting in the deaths of hundreds of unsuspecting users.

This surge in such a lethal drug—capable of killing with an amount smaller than a poppy seed—occurs even as fentanyl seizures and overall drug overdose fatalities are on a multiyear decline.

“You’re talking about not even a grain of salt that could be potentially lethal,” said Frank Tarentino, the DEA’s chief of operations for its northeast region, which stretches from Maine to Virginia. “This presents an extremely frightening proposition for substance abuse dependent people who seek opioids on the street today.”

Carfentanil surge

A decade ago, carfentanil exploded into the North American drug supply, causing hundreds of unsuspecting drug users to overdose, only to see a major dip after China banned it, closing a key regulatory loophole in the U.S.

But the situation has shifted dramatically in recent years.

In 2025, DEA labs identified carfentanil 1,400 times in U.S. drug seizures, compared with 145 in 2023 and only 54 in 2022, according to DEA records viewed by AP.

Traffickers in Mexico may be experimenting with producing carfentanil themselves, authorities say, while others could be procuring it from China-based vendors skirting the country’s regulations by spamming online forums in other countries with ads for the drug.

Complicating matters for the cartels are the extreme dangers associated with manufacturing carfentanil, Tarentino said.

“You can’t just dabble in this,” he said. “This is not some mad scientist on Reddit you’re going to get to go out to a rudimentary laboratory in Mexico to make carfentanil.”

Dip in overdose deaths and fentanyl seizures

U.S. overdose deaths have fallen for more than two years — the longest drop in decades. Experts point to several possible explanations, including the overdose-reversing drug naloxone being more widely available and the expansion of addiction treatment. Some have also tied it to the regulatory changes the U.S. has pressed for in China.

Experts say that even multiple high doses of naloxone might not be enough to reverse an overdose when carfentanil is involved.

Fentanyl seizures, along with several other illicit drugs, have also dipped. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that fentanyl seizures plunged to about 12,000 pounds (5,443 kilograms) in 2025 — less than half the amount seized in 2023.

But even as fentanyl numbers fall, it remains a major focus of the DEA. Just recently, the agency’s proposed budget included a $362 million increase centered on cartel-driven fentanyl trafficking.

“Anyone who takes a pill that is not prescribed to them by their doctor is playing a game of Russian roulette with their life,” said Sara Carter, President Donald Trump’s drug czar. “But if those terrorists think they can continue this chemical warfare without consequences, they are wrong.”

Researched as a chemical weapon

While the prevalence of carfentanil still pales in comparison to fentanyl, experts are nevertheless alarmed by the increase of a substance researched for years as a chemical weapon and deployed by Russian forces on Chechen separatists in 2002.

The DEA’s annual quota for lawfully manufactured carfentanil — veterinarians use it to tranquilize elephants and other large animals — is just 20 grams, an amount that can fit in the palm of your hand.

“It’s like a biological weapon,” said Michael King Jr., founder of the Opioid Awareness Foundation. “If the world thinks we had a problem with fentanyl, that’s minute compared to what we’re going to be dealing with with carfentanil.”

In 2024, overdose deaths involving carfentanil nearly tripled compared to the previous year, with 413 deaths across 42 states and Washington, D.C., according to the most recent data available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Carfentanil definitely has that potential of spreading throughout the United States unless law enforcement really focuses in on carfentanil and they develop intelligence as to how these drug addicts are getting it,” said Mike Vigil, a former chief of international operations at the DEA.

In recent months, the DEA has documented several large seizures of carfentanil. In October, the DEA Los Angeles Field Division found 628,000 pills containing carfentanil, while in September, officials seized more than 50,000 counterfeit M30 pills from a person at a gas station in Washington state that turned out to be a mixture of carfentanil and acetaminophen.

‘All about money’

In some cases, frequent drug users have become tolerant to fentanyl and are seeking out carfentanil, despite the danger, because of the sudden euphoria it promises, explained Rob Tanguay, senior medical lead for addiction services with Recovery Alberta, a health agency in Canada. It appeals to the drug market, he said, because so little of it goes such a long way toward supply.

“The toughest part about all of this,” he said, “is that this is all about money.”

After Michael Nalewaja’s death, his mother decided against a large funeral.

Instead, she organized a town hall in her hometown of El Dorado Hills, California, bringing together local officials along with mothers who had gone through something similar.

As she grieves her son, an adept salesman full of charisma who had recently gotten a national award by the electrical union, she’s pushing for major legislative and judicial changes so others don’t go through what she did because of a drug she said was never meant for humans.

“It’s not an OD; it’s not an overdose,” she said. “It’s a murder weapon.”

___

Jarvis Throws Shade at Carter Efe Amidst Maldives Controversy: ‘Some People Jealous Me

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Jarvis Throws Shade at Carter Efe Amidst Maldives Controversy: ‘Some People Jealous Me
  • Jarvis has thrown shade at Carter Efe over his criticism of her Maldives trip with Peller, suggesting jealousy as the motive.
  • Peller also responded earlier with a message of his own The exchange has sparked widespread reactions on social media.

Social media influencer Jarvis has recently become the center of attention after subtly criticizing comedian Carter Efe amidst the buzz surrounding her trip to the Maldives with fellow creator Peller.

The controversy kicked off when Carter Efe openly criticized Peller, accusing him of opting to travel with Jarvis instead of prioritizing his mother. This remark quickly ignited a heated discussion on various social media platforms.

In response to the backlash, Jarvis seemed unfazed and took to social media to deliver a subtle retort:

“Some people are jealous because I’m in the Maldives enjoying with my babe.”

This comment has been widely perceived as a direct counter to Carter Efe’s statements, adding more fuel to the ongoing online debate.

Peller also previously addressed the situation in a separate post, promoting a message centered on love and relationships:

“Come Let teach u how to Love. This is not punching mater, our pikin can never hear a story of where I touch his mum. He/she will just see beautiful videos Like this and be happy.”

While neither Jarvis nor Peller mentioned Carter Efe directly, fans believe both statements were aimed at the comedian.

Civil Rights Advocates Push for Special Session on Georgia Voting Legislation

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Civil Rights Advocates Push for Special Session on Georgia Voting Legislation


ATLANTA – In a significant move, a coalition of civil rights and voting advocacy groups is urging Governor Brian Kemp to call a special legislative session to scrutinize and address issues surrounding a newly enacted elections law in Georgia.

This appeal is spearheaded by prominent organizations such as the ACLU of Georgia and All Voting is Local, who assert that immediate legislative action is critical as a key deadline approaches on July 1.

Central to their concerns is Senate Bill 189, legislation that will prohibit the use of QR codes for vote tabulation starting July 1, 2026. The advocacy groups are pressing for a delay in the law’s implementation until February 2027. They argue this extension is essential for counties to adequately test and install alternative voting systems.

Christopher Bruce, the policy director at the ACLU of Georgia, highlights apprehensions regarding the counting of ballots under the proposed changes and whether new systems will be operational in time.

“There are issues with QR codes and the use of hand-counted paper ballots,” Bruce explained. “Ensuring ballots are accurately counted by computers and counters is vital for maintaining proper voter access.”

Advocates argue that lawmakers failed to address what they describe as looming issues with the state’s voting system before the legislative session ended, potentially putting future elections at risk.

“We have millions of people that vote every year. Human error does happen, not computer error,” Bruce said. “We’ve had strong audits, including after the 2020 election. The system works. There’s no reason to change it.”

The groups warn that a rushed transition away from QR code-based systems could lead to voter confusion, longer wait times, and potential challenges in certifying election results.

They also emphasize that counties are required to administer uniform elections but do not have the authority to independently change voting systems, creating what they describe as an “impossible position” without further state guidance.

Meanwhile, Brad Raffensperger is placing blame on state lawmakers, saying their inaction contributed to the current situation.

It remains unclear whether Gov. Kemp will call a special session to address the issue.

Tuscola’s RISE Behavioral Health and Wellness to Shut Down Operations

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Tuscola’s RISE Behavioral Health and Wellness to Shut Down Operations


In Tuscola, Illinois, a staple in mental health and substance abuse treatment, RISE Behavioral Health and Wellness, is set to close its doors next month after five decades of dedicated service.

In a recent Facebook announcement, RISE Behavioral Health and Wellness shared that it will cease clinical operations on May 22, with a complete organizational transition planned by the end of June. The post explained that “ongoing funding and staffing challenges” have made this difficult decision necessary.

Clay County Shock: Local Teacher and Coach Arrested for Sending Explicit Messages to Minor

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Clay County Shock: Local Teacher and Coach Arrested for Sending Explicit Messages to Minor

Johnny Robinson III, an educator and sports coach at Temple Christian Academy in Jacksonville, has been charged with sending inappropriate content to a minor.

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A 34-year-old teacher from a Jacksonville private school has been detained after an investigation revealed he sent sexually explicit communications to a 12-year-old girl, as reported by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

Robinson, who teaches mathematics and coaches athletics at Temple Christian Academy, was taken into custody on Wednesday. He faces several charges, including distributing harmful material to a minor and the illegal use of a communication device. His bail has been set at $375,030.



This story continues below.

The investigation began when the victim approached a school resource officer in December 2025, reporting that she had been receiving inappropriate messages and images from anonymous phone numbers. Authorities stated that the communications started in November 2025 and persisted until January 2026.

Investigators disclosed that the perpetrator pretended to be a peer of the victim, referencing mutual acquaintances to establish trust. Despite the victim’s efforts to block these contacts, the messages continued to arrive from different numbers each time.

Detectives determined the messages were sent using Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, technology, which allows users to make calls and send texts over the internet and can obscure a sender’s identity.

Following the investigation, CCSO Internet Crimes Against Children detectives identified the suspect as Robinson III, and learned he was employed at Temple Christian Academy. The school was notified, and Robinson was placed on leave.

During a search of his phone, investigators said they found multiple images of child sexual abuse material. Robinson was additionally charged on Thursday with multiple counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Temple Christian Academy told First Coast News in a statement:

“Late Wednesday evening, we were notified that one of our teachers had been arrested. As a result, their employment with our school has been terminated, and they are no longer connected to our school in any way. The situation is now in the hands of the proper authorities, and we will continue to cooperate as needed. Temple Christian Academy prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students. We were also advised that the matter did not involve our school, our staff, or any of our students.”

Former sex crimes detective and First Coast News Crime and Safety expert Ken Jefferson said that kind of deception is common in cases like this.

“Sexual predators always try to find a way to get around being identified. They do all kinds of things to conceal their identity. And this was no exception,” said Jefferson,  “This was a person in authority, at the school. He had dual roles. He was at a Christian school, but it goes to show you anything can happen anywhere with anybody.”

Jefferson urges parents to have conversations with their kids about online safety. 

“Parents have got to be parents and stay on top of it,” he said, “Stay vigilant with your children, continue to talk and have that conversation with them, because it just happened to happen twice this week. However, it’s an ongoing thing right now as we speak.”

Madonna Shocks Coachella 2026 with Unforgettable Onstage Cameo alongside Sabrina Carpenter

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Madonna Shocks Coachella 2026 with Unforgettable Onstage Cameo alongside Sabrina Carpenter

In a surprising turn of events, Madonna made a triumphant return to the stage on Friday night, courtesy of a special invitation from Sabrina Carpenter during her second weekend headlining at Coachella.

The legendary 67-year-old pop star joined Carpenter near the end of her performance, commemorating two decades since Madonna’s own unforgettable headlining appearance at the iconic California festival back in 2006.

Carpenter’s set was already a star-studded affair, with numerous exciting cameos preceding Madonna’s grand entrance. Among them was a shirtless Terry Crews, who delighted fans by referencing his memorable role in “White Chicks” and briefly singing Vanessa Carlton’s hit “A Thousand Miles.”

Additionally, actress Geena Davis captivated the audience with a compelling monologue, mirroring the appearance of her “Thelma & Louise” co-star Susan Sarandon during Carpenter’s first weekend at Coachella.

Madonna’s electrifying entrance was heralded by the instrumental beats of her classic 1990 hit “Vogue.” She dramatically emerged from beneath the stage, dazzling in a purple corset paired with matching bottoms, elbow-length gloves, and knee-high boots, delighting fans with her indomitable presence.

The pair performed sections of “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer,” joined by backing vocalists as they moved onto a stage extension in the middle of the crowd.

“Wow, thank you … Sabrina, thank you so much for inviting me on your show,” Madonna said.

“No thanks needed, Madonna,” Carpenter replied, as the two held hands on stage.

“Well, I have a few things I want to get off my chest,” Madonna continued. 

“So, 20 years ago today I performed at Coachella. I was in the dance tent, and it was the first time I performed ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor’ part one in America.

“It was such a thrill — and it’s a thrill to be back. It’s a full circle moment, you know? Very meaningful for me.”

She also encouraged the audience to get along with one another, telling the crowd: “Let’s try to be together. Let’s try to avoid disagreements. And to that point, the great thing about music is that it brings people together.

“It’s the one place that people have to put their differences aside, put their s— down and just everybody have a good time together, right? So I am thrilled to be a part of that healing experience.”

Madonna then added, with a grin, that it was probably the first time she had performed with someone “shorter” than her.

The cameo follows her surprise appearance at the festival alongside Drake in 2015, and comes as she prepares to release her upcoming “Confessions II” album later this year after teasing a new track, “I Feel So Free.”

Carpenter, who wore a white lace bodysuit with silver heels, kept a similar setlist to the first weekend while updating her guest lineup.

Last week’s show leaned more heavily on actor cameos, with Sarandon, Will Ferrell, Samuel L. Jackson and Sam Elliott among those appearing.

After that first weekend set, Carpenter was also forced to apologize following backlash over an onstage remark in which she misidentified a fan’s celebratory Arabic call as “yodeling,” prompting criticism online.

Zayn Malik Allegedly Strikes Louis Tomlinson During Series Production

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Zayn Malik Allegedly Strikes Louis Tomlinson During Series Production

Reports have surfaced suggesting that tensions between former One Direction members Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson escalated into a physical altercation during the filming of a Netflix road trip show. It’s claimed that Zayn punched Louis, resulting in a head injury, after making a remark about Louis’s late mother.

The duo had reportedly secured a lucrative deal to travel across the United States, revisiting their past experiences from their time in the famous boy band. The project promised to reveal personal insights and share cherished memories with their fans.

However, sources indicate that this anticipated series has been shelved following the incident. According to The Sun, what began as a verbal exchange turned violent when Zayn allegedly struck Louis, leading to a concussion that required medical attention.

Insiders revealed that the confrontation arose when Zayn’s behavior during the shoot shifted unexpectedly, leading to heated arguments. The situation reportedly intensified when Zayn made a comment concerning Louis’s mother, Johannah Deakin, who tragically passed away at the age of 43 in 2016 after a battle with leukemia.

In light of the altercation, it has been noted that Louis’s sisters have unfollowed Zayn on social media, indicating a rift that extends beyond the two former bandmates.

Two of Louis’ five sisters, Phoebe and Lottie, have since unfollowed Zayn on Instagram.

Zayn Malik reportedly punched Louis Tomlinson in the face and cut his head after making a comment about his late mother during filming for a Netflix road trip show (Zayn pictured in March)

Zayn Malik reportedly punched Louis Tomlinson in the face and cut his head after making a comment about his late mother during filming for a Netflix road trip show (Zayn pictured in March)

It was previously reported that the former One Direction bandmates had signed a multi-million pound deal to travel the US (Louis pictured last week)

It was previously reported that the former One Direction bandmates had signed a multi-million pound deal to travel the US (Louis pictured last week)

‘Louis was stunned and in shock,’ a source said. ‘As he went to move, Zayn then attacked him. Zayn punched him straight in the face, because he was wearing rings it cut Louis’ head.’

Netflix is said to have axed the multi-million-pound show – which was reportedly set to be produced by Campfire Studios – following the altercation as the pair have reportedly not spoken since the incident occurred six months ago.

The Daily Mail has contacted Netflix, Campfire Studios, and representatives for Zayn and Louis for comment. 

Phoebe and her twin sister Daisy previously said who their favourite member of One Direction was – and failed to mention Zayn.

They said: ‘Niall was always the loveliest. And even when we were little, he was just very nice and caring and always cute with us.

‘Liam’s not with us anymore, but he was always that for me. Yeah, so calm. He was so sweet. 

‘He would always say hi and he’d remember your name and stuff.’

The twins continued to Luke Hamnett: ‘Whereas the others, not obviously mentioning names, didn’t really even know who you were or remember your name.

‘Liam always took time and came and said hi to our grandparents and little things like that.’

It was reported in January the former One Direction bandmates were believed to have ‘fallen out’ after they reunited for the brand new road trip show.

Sources close to the production revealed the pair were likely to discuss the tragic death of their friend and bandmate Liam Payne in the series. 

An insider previously told The Sun of the show: ‘This will be an absolutely huge show for Netflix and is guaranteed to whip 1D’s global army of fans into a frenzy.

‘Although the idea of British boyband members doing a show about travelling across America sounds random, most of them now have strong links Stateside.

‘And it’s likely to be a chance for some serious soul-searching and deep discussions about the incredible journey the group have already been on since they were formed on The X Factor 15 years ago.’ 

Zayn has lived in America permanently since 2018, while Louis devotes a large part of his time there thanks to his nine-year-old son with stylist Briana Jungwirth.

Two of Louis' five sisters, Phoebe and Lottie, have since unfollowed Zayn on Instagram (L-R Daisy Tomlinson, Lottie Tomlinson and Phoebe Tomlinson in 2023)

Two of Louis’ five sisters, Phoebe and Lottie, have since unfollowed Zayn on Instagram (L-R Daisy Tomlinson, Lottie Tomlinson and Phoebe Tomlinson in 2023)

But according to The Sun , the series has been scrapped after the pair got into a physical altercation - with Zayn allegedly punching Louis in the face (Pictured together in 2014)

But according to The Sun , the series has been scrapped after the pair got into a physical altercation – with Zayn allegedly punching Louis in the face (Pictured together in 2014)

Sources close to the production revealed the pair were likely to discuss the tragic death of their friend and bandmate Liam Payne in the series (1D pictured together in 2014)

Sources close to the production revealed the pair were likely to discuss the tragic death of their friend and bandmate Liam Payne in the series (1D pictured together in 2014)

It comes after it was claimed in 2021 that Zayn assaulted his ex Gigi Hadid’s wife Yolanda during an altercation at the Pennsylvania home he shared with the model.

The former One Direction star pleaded no contest to the charges after allegedly pushing his former partner Gigi’s mother into a dresser and calling her a ‘f*****g Dutch sl*t’ in September 2021.

Court documents revealed that he had to complete 360 days probation in addition to completing an anger management class. 

On September 29 2021, Yolanda went to the property Zayn then shared with his ex Gigi Hadid while she was modelling in Paris. 

Zayn was there, though it’s unclear if their now two-year-old daughter Khai was. What transpired next is unclear but the pair started arguing and Zayn ‘grabbed Yolanda’ and ‘shoved’ her into a dresser.

He also verbally berated her, screaming: ‘Stay away from [my] f*****g daughter’ and calling Yolanda a ‘f*****g Dutch s**t’.

He is said to have called Gigi in Paris and yelled down the phone to her: ‘Strap on some f*****g balls and defend your partner against your f*****g mother in my house.’ 

It comes after it was claimed in 2021 that Zayn assaulted his ex Gigi Hadid's wife Yolanda during an altercation at the Pennsylvania home he shared with the model (Yolanda pictured in 2022)

It comes after it was claimed in 2021 that Zayn assaulted his ex Gigi Hadid’s wife Yolanda during an altercation at the Pennsylvania home he shared with the model (Yolanda pictured in 2022) 

A security guard was present for the exchange, according to the court documents, and Zayn screamed at him: ‘Get the f*** out of my f*****g house copper.’

At another point he referred to fathering Khai with the ‘f*****g sperm that came out of my f*****g c**k’.

Gigi refused to comment in detail on the matter but released a statement at the time through her representative that said: ‘Gigi is solely focused on the best for Khai. She asks for privacy during this time.’ 

Zayn posted a statement on social media that confirmed there was an incident, that he pleaded no contest (although it was unclear at the time that he’d been criminally charged) and that he was trying to protect his daughter.

He denied striking Yolanda, as had been reported by TMZ, citing an unnamed source.

Federal Charges Loom Over Julius Burkes Jr. in Tragic Kankakee County Bar Owner Shooting

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Federal Charges Loom Over Julius Burkes Jr. in Tragic Kankakee County Bar Owner Shooting

The individual implicated in the fatal shooting of a Momence bar owner is now confronted with federal indictments.

Julius Burkes, a 47-year-old resident of Hammond, appeared in court on Friday to address these fresh charges.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The charges against him comprise murder and interference with commerce through robbery.

Authorities allege that Burkes was responsible for the February shooting that took the life of bar owner Courtney Drysdale.

In February, Kankakee County prosecutors had already filed charges of murder and armed robbery against him.

They said the killing appeared to be targeted.

Burkes pleaded not guilty to the Kankakee County charges and demanded a trial by jury.

Prosecutors said Burkes walked into the Line Bar, demanded money and shot the 30-year-old mother twice in the head.

According to court records, the two once worked together at the bar, when it was owned by someone else.

Burkes was allegedly fired for stealing money from the cash register, which Drysdale reported to the owners.

Burkes was on bond for a previous charge at the time of the shooting.

30-year-old Momence woman Courtney M. Drysdale was shot and killed in Momence, Illinois.
30-year-old Momence woman Courtney M. Drysdale was shot and killed in Momence, Illinois.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

-Momence bar owner reported suspect in her death for previous alleged theft: Kankakee Co. prosecutors

-Man arrested in ‘execution-style’ killing of Momence bar owner waives extradition

-Mother found dead at rural Momence bar she owned; homicide investigation underway: sheriff

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
1...223224225...2,919Page 224 of 2,919

Subscribe for exclusive content

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.

Subscribe

Copyright Newsfinal Publications.