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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
A British mother has been sentenced to prison following a reckless driving incident that resulted in injuries to several teenagers.
Faye Dawson, aged 50, faces a 14-month prison term and a driving ban lasting nearly five years. This comes after her guilty plea to charges of dangerous driving, as reported by Staffordshire Police in a statement issued on April 9.
The incident occurred on March 7, 2025, when Dawson drove her Vauxhall Corsa at 80 miles per hour—exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph—on the wrong side of a road in Cheadle, England. This reckless decision led to a crash involving just her vehicle, according to law enforcement officials.
At the time of the crash, Dawson had five teenage passengers in the car, four of whom sustained injuries. One of the teenagers suffered a fractured spine and required hospitalization, as detailed by UK’s LBC.
Police released dashcam footage capturing the moments preceding the accident, which has been circulated by LBC, The Independent, and The Daily Mail. The videos reveal Dawson repeating, “I need it, I need it,” while her young passengers screamed in fear, pleading with her to slow down.
Earlier in the drive, Dawson proclaimed, “I’m a rally car driver and a b—h … You get in here with your life,” and, per the footage, “If you die right now, I’ve got no f–king consequence.”
“I’m not a safe driver … Right now, I’m alcohol and [have had] a smoke,” she later added, “so [I’m] even more f–king dangerous.”
Dawson also told the teens in the car, “Are you buckled in? Because if you die, I am not responsible for you,” according to LBC and The Daily Mail, citing the dashcam footage.
In a victim statement, the teen who suffered the spinal fracture said, “I thought I was going to die,” per LBC and Stoke-on-Trent Live. “I had to have time off school to recover. I feel very anxious in vehicles. I have nightmares and flashbacks. I had to live with back pain for six months.”
Meanwhile, Staffordshire Police constable Luke Randall called her actions “reckless and selfish,” in a statement, “and this custodial sentence reflects that.”
During the sentencing, Dawson’s attorney reportedly told the court that the mother has no interest in getting behind the wheel in the future.
“She will never drive again, such is the traumatic effect of what took place,” he said, according to The Daily Mail and The Sun. “She feels genuine remorse and empathy with the people in the car that night.”
Eric Swalwell, once celebrated as a rising star within the Democratic Party, now faces serious allegations that cast a shadow over his 13-year congressional career. Known for his rapid ascent to influential roles in Washington, Swalwell benefited from the support of powerful figures, such as Nancy Pelosi, which helped him secure key committee appointments and establish himself as a vocal critic of the Trump administration.
However, Swalwell’s promising career has taken a dramatic turn. He is now confronted with accusations from five women alleging sexual misconduct, including inappropriate behavior like sending explicit photos and unwanted physical contact. Among these allegations, two women have accused him of rape, with one of the claims suggesting that Swalwell drugged and assaulted a model in a hotel room in 2018.
Swalwell has labeled these charges as “false” and has vowed to contest them. Despite his assertions, the repercussions have been swift. Following the mounting pressure and as political allies began to withdraw their support, Swalwell decided to suspend his gubernatorial campaign on Sunday and subsequently resigned from Congress on Tuesday.
One of the critical voices urging Swalwell to step down was former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She was among the first to advise him to exit the race, emphasizing that addressing these allegations would be more appropriately handled outside the context of a gubernatorial campaign.
One of those crucial allies was former House Speaker Pelosi, who was one of the first political figures to tell Swalwell to drop out, saying the handling of accusations was “best done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.”
Questions are swirling, however, over whether the disgraced congressman’s friends and allies were unaware of Swalwell’s alleged actions despite knowing him for so long.
Pelosi, a powerhouse in California politics, plucked out Swalwell for many plum spots when she was speaker.
In 2014, Pelosi put a relatively new Swalwell on the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee, which shapes key policies for House Democrats and are de facto members of senior leadership. She then described him as “an energetic and forward-looking leader who will bring fresh ideas and perspectives.”
Then in 2016, as minority leader, she elevated him further on the steering committee, making him vice-chair.
Pelosi was warned about potential concerns around Swalwell. In 2020, a briefing by the FBI flagged connections between Swalwell and a suspected Chinese spy. Still, Pelosi said then that “I don’t have any concern about Mr. Swalwell.”
Then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) urged Pelosi to remove Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee after the briefing. Pelosi didn’t heed those warnings, and in 2021, she re-appointed Swalwell to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
He was also serving on the intelligence committee and House Judiciary Committee under Pelosi’s leadership.
One of her more prominent decisions involving Swalwell was making him the manager in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021. That allowed him to burnish an anti-Trump reputation, which later buoyed his gubernatorial campaign this year.
Despite all those connections, Pelosi at a Monday event denied knowing any of Swalwell’s alleged pursuits of women.
“I had none whatsoever,” Pelosi said.
She called the resignation “a smart decision” but didn’t directly answer if she told Swalwell to also resign from Congress.
“I think that was his decision,” she responded. “That’s the right thing to do, yes, not to subject members to have to take a vote on something like that, and not to subject your family.”
Looking to tighten your waistline? A common misconception is that performing more crunches will lead to a firmer midsection. Many people have given this a try, doing countless repetitions and feeling a slight burn, only to find that it doesn’t significantly transform their waist, particularly after the age of 60. While crunches may make you feel as though you’ve worked out, they often fail to deliver the visible results you’re seeking.
Instead, exercises that engage your core while moving the rest of your body tend to be more effective. These movements activate more muscles, elevate your heart rate, and require your core to remain engaged throughout. This holistic approach is what truly helps in achieving a noticeably firmer waist.
Incorporating these exercises into your morning routine can be particularly beneficial. It sets a positive tone for the day and doesn’t require a lengthy or complex workout. A few deliberate, well-executed moves can awaken your body and activate your core early on. Maintaining this consistency allows your midsection to become more naturally engaged, ultimately leading to visible improvements over time.
What I’ve seen work better, more often than not, is shifting toward exercises that engage your core while the rest of your body moves. That’s where things start to change. You’re not just isolating one small area; you’re getting more muscle involved, your heart rate comes up a bit, and your core has to stay engaged the entire time. That combination is what helps tighten things up in a more noticeable way.
Mornings are a great time to build this in because it sets the tone for the rest of your day. You don’t need a long routine or anything complicated. Just a few well-executed movements that wake your body up and get your core doing its job early. When you stay consistent with that, you’ll start to feel your midsection engage more naturally, and that’s when you begin to see the difference.
Standing Side Bend (Light Weight or Bodyweight)
Standing side bends are a great way to bring your obliques into the mix early without overcomplicating things. When you slow the movement down and stay in control, you can feel your side core working through the entire range. Most people go too fast or lean too far, but dialing it in makes a big difference.
Muscles Trained: Obliques and core stabilizers
How to Do It:
Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Hold a lightweight in one hand or keep your hands at your sides.
Slowly bend to one side.
Keep your hips steady as you move.
Return to the starting position with control.
Alternate sides.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per side. Rest for 30 to 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Bodyweight side bend, offset hold, slow tempo bend
Form Tip: Think about shortening the space between your ribcage and hip.
Marching in Place with Core Focus
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Marching in place is one of the easiest ways to wake up your core first thing in the morning. Each time you lift a knee, your core has to stabilize to keep you from shifting. When you slow it down and stay tall, it hits more than you’d expect.
Muscles Trained: Core stabilizers, hip flexors, and lower abs
How to Do It:
Stand tall with your hands at your sides.
Lift one knee up toward hip height.
Lower it back down with control.
Alternate legs in a steady rhythm.
Keep your posture tall throughout.
Continue for the full set.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per leg. Rest for 30 to 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Weighted march, slow march, hold and march
Form Tip: Avoid leaning back as you lift your knee.
Standing Rotation (Band or Bodyweight)
Standing rotations help loosen things up while getting your core to work through a range that is often ignored. Keeping the movement controlled lets your obliques actually do the work instead of just swinging through it.
Muscles Trained: Obliques, core stabilizers, and shoulders
How to Do It:
Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Hold a light band or keep your hands together in front of you.
Rotate your torso to one side.
Keep your hips facing forward.
Return to the center with control.
Alternate sides.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per side. Rest for 30 to 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Banded rotation, slow tempo rotation, pause rotation
Form Tip: Rotate through your torso, not just your arms.
Step-Back Lunges
Step-back lunges bring your lower body into the mix while your core works to keep everything steady. Stepping back gives you more control and usually feels better on the joints, especially first thing in the morning.
Muscles Trained: Glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core
How to Do It:
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
Step one foot back into a lunge.
Lower your back knee toward the ground.
Keep your front knee stacked over your ankle.
Push through your front foot to return to standing.
Alternate legs.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps per leg. Rest for 45 to 60 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Bodyweight lunge, weighted lunge, slow tempo lunge
Form Tip: Stay tall and avoid leaning forward.
Plank with Shoulder Taps
Planks with shoulder taps clean things up a bit compared to just holding a plank. Instead of sitting there waiting for time to pass, you’re forcing your core to stay engaged while your body shifts side to side. That added movement is where it starts to feel different. You’ll notice pretty quickly if your hips start moving around, which is a good sign your core needs to step in and do more.
Muscles Trained: Core stabilizers, shoulders, and obliques
How to Do It:
Start in a high plank position with your hands under your shoulders.
Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
Lift one hand and tap the opposite shoulder.
Place your hand back down with control.
Alternate sides with each tap.
Keep your hips as steady as possible throughout.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 taps per side. Rest for 30 to 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Knee plank taps, slow tempo taps, pause taps
Form Tip: If your hips start rocking, slow it down and tighten your core before continuing.
The Best Tips for Firming Your Waist After 60
Shutterstock
This is the part where most people either try to do too much or start bouncing between different routines. What tends to work better is keeping things simple and sticking with it long enough to actually see progress. Rather than a long list of exercises or a full morning workout to firm up your waist, a few solid movements, done well and consistently, will take you a lot further. I’ve seen people make more progress in 10 minutes a day than in workouts they do only once or twice a week. The key is making sure your core is actually working during those movements, not just going through the motions. When you start to feel that engagement carry over into the rest of your day, that’s when things really start to change.
Keep it consistent: A short routine you’ll actually stick with will always beat something more intense that you skip.
Slow your reps down: The more control you have, the more your core has to stay engaged.
Stay on your feet: Standing exercises tend to carry over better into daily movement.
Use more than one direction: Side-to-side and rotational work help bring your waist in more effectively.
Focus on how it feels: If you’re not feeling your core, adjust the movement instead of just pushing through it.
Keep moving throughout the day: Even light activity helps reinforce what you’re building in the morning.
A significant development has emerged in Buchanan County, Virginia, as a murder charge against a local man has been dismissed following new revelations in medical evidence. The county’s commonwealth attorney shared this update, shedding light on a case that has seen its trajectory altered by changing forensic conclusions.
Logan Boyd, who faced serious allegations connected to the tragic passing of his child, now finds the murder charge against him withdrawn. Commonwealth’s Attorney Nikki Stiltner explained that the case initially relied heavily on autopsy results, which pointed to dangerously high levels of cocaine and codeine in the child’s system. This evidence had set the stage for pursuing a felony murder charge.
However, as the investigation unfolded, additional medical insights prompted a reevaluation. The Medical Examiner, upon further review, concluded that it could no longer be stated with reasonable medical certainty that cocaine played a role in the cause of death. This pivotal update in the medical analysis necessitated a legal reassessment of the case.
Stiltner emphasized that the prosecution’s duty is to pursue charges that can withstand the rigorous standard of being proven beyond a reasonable doubt. With the shift in critical evidence, the legal team was compelled to discontinue the felony murder charge. “Prosecutors are bound to adjust their course in the face of evolving evidence,” she remarked, highlighting the legal obligation to act in accordance with the most accurate information available.
“Prosecutors are bound to proceed only on charges that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and when critical evidence changes, we must adjust accordingly.”
According to the release, Boyd entered pleas of no contest to child abuse and possession of cocaine and admitted that he used cocaine while responsible for the care of his child.
Boyd will be on supervised probation for two years and will be required to complete substance abuse treatment and counseling, according to the release.
“This is not a dismissal. This is a structured resolution that ensures accountability, supervision, and intervention, while remaining grounded in what the evidence can support in court,” the release stated. “Sometimes justice is not simple, and it does not always look the way people expect – but it must be based on the evidence and the law.”
If Boyd violates any of the conditions, the court may enter a finding of guilt and impose sentencing, according to the release.
Megyn Kelly is expanding her podcast offerings with the addition of three new shows, as exclusively unveiled by the Daily Mail.
These upcoming shows are centered around the theme of crime and will be hosted by either legal experts or former law enforcement officers, according to the conservative commentator’s announcement on Monday.
The flagship program of this new lineup, titled “The MK True Crime Show,” is set to air twice a week, providing listeners with a deep dive into crime-related topics.
Accompanying this are “In The Well,” hosted by Mark Geragos and Matt Murphy, and “Positively Legal,” featuring hosts Mark Eiglarsh and Jonna Spilbor. These shows promise a consistent flow of expert analysis and engaging guest interviews.
Listeners can also expect comprehensive trial coverage, insightful analysis, and detailed investigations, as Kelly, at the age of 55, continues to enhance her podcast content.
‘As a former lawyer who has covered legal and true crime stories for decades, going back to my time just starting at Fox News, I’m thrilled to expand our legal coverage with MK True Crime on the MK Media podcast network,’ she said of the new push.
‘Some of these hosts have been a part of Kelly’s Court segments since the beginning, while others have become new friends through The Megyn Kelly Show.
‘But all bring true expertise and will deliver unique, fun coverage of the biggest legal stories in the news.’
The shows all center around crime and feature either lawyers or former law enforcement as hosts, Megyn Kelly exclusively told the Daily Mail this week
The MK True Crime Show will be become the slate’s two-day-a-week flagship, Kelly said
The MK True Crime Show will be manned by former assistant district attorney Phil Holloway and Ashleigh Merchant, a well-known Atlanta defense attorney who stomped out her state’s attempted election racketeering case against Donald Trump in 2024.
Dave Aronberg, a Florida attorney who prosecuted Tiger Woods for DUI in 2017, will also host, Kelly said.
The trio will provide viewers with the latest legal and true crime news and live trial coverage.
Interviews with newsmakers from across the industry and looks at the country’s biggest cases are also in the cards, according to Kelly.
Additional contributors and content will be announced soon, she said.
In The Well, with Mark Geragos and Matt Murphy, is the block’s more in-depth dive into the country’s biggest cases.
The former defense lawyer and prosecutor once faced off in California’s courts as adversaries but now team up to walk audiences through the most complex cases via guest interviews and constant expert analysis, Kelly explained.
The Well is a reference to the area of a courtroom that the public is not allowed in, she said.
California jurists Mark Geragos and Matt Murphy will host a new show for Kelly’s podcast company, MK Media
Ashleish Merchant, an accomplished Atlanta defense attorney who stomped out her state’s attempted election racketeering case against Donald Trump in 2024, will aslo host
Former Miami prosecutor Mark Eiglarsh, former assistant district attorney Phil Holloway and Merchant on The Megyn Kelly Show in November
Positively Legal, with Mark Eiglarsh and Jonna Spilbor, meanwhile, is hosted by two accomplished lawyers and cable news veterans.
Both were featured guests on Kelly’s Court back when it was just a Fox News segment in the 2000s.
Today, the two will tag-team to focus on the most interesting legal cases with a little more color. Personality, candor, and even a little humor can be expected.
Kelly worked for both Fox News and NBC before going independent in 2020.
Her coverage has continued to evolve ever since.
The ‘Megyn Kelly Show’ was signed by SiriusXM in 2021. Episodes can be found every weekday on YouTube, as well as on Apple and Spotify as a podcast.
Shoppers at IKEA should be aware of a significant update that may affect their shopping experiences, as the furniture company has discreetly tightened one of its most beloved policies.
The Swedish retail giant has significantly shortened the return period for opened or assembled products, slashing it from a generous 12 months to just 60 days. This change is part of a wider policy overhaul across both Australia and New Zealand.
Starting from April 9, customers who decide to return an item will no longer receive a refund to their original payment method. Instead, they will be issued store credit as the only option.
This adjustment represents a notable shift for IKEA, whose extensive return policy had been a major attraction for shoppers wary of committing to flat-pack furniture purchases.
An IKEA representative shared with the Daily Mail that these policy changes aim to balance customer convenience with the company’s sustainability goals.
‘The IKEA “Test & Try” policy gives customers a fair time period of 60 days for a change of mind if the product does not suit their life at home, with the ability to return an opened and assembled product in acceptable condition.
‘These changes help us minimise misuse of the returns policy and allow us to continue offering high quality, affordable home furnishings to Australians.’
Unopened, unused, and resealable products will still be eligible for return within 365 days as long as you have proof of purchase.
IKEA shoppers are being urged to take note of a major change that could impact how they shop, after the furniture giant quietly tightened one of its most popular policies
Why the change now?
Behind the policy shift is a growing pressure facing retailers worldwide – the rising cost of returns.
The process of moving goods from customers back to warehouses, inspecting them and deciding whether they can be resold, repaired, or recycled has become increasingly expensive.
At the same time, generous returns policies have changed the way many people shop.
Across the retail sector, customers have become more comfortable buying multiple versions of the same item – such as different sizes or colours – with the intention of returning what they don’t want.
The practice, known as ‘bracketing’ or ‘wardrobing’, has surged in recent years.
It has also fuelled social media trends, where influencers showcase ‘keep or return’ hauls, ordering large quantities of clothing or products and asking followers to decide what stays and what goes back.
Retail experts say the behaviour is taking a toll.
The Swedish retailer has dramatically reduced the window for returning opened or assembled items, cutting it from a generous 12 months to just 60 days as part of a broader overhaul across Australia and New Zealand
Richard Lim, chief executive of Retail Economics, previously said: ‘Serial returners are quietly eroding retail profitability in ways many retailers are only just beginning to understand.
‘The rise of opportunistic shopping behaviours, where many people intentionally buy large quantities of goods with the intention of returning most of them, is placing an unprecedented strain on retailers.’
Others say the trend reflects broader economic pressures where the rising cost-of-living has forced shoppers to find any advantage they can.
The end of an era
IKEA’s 365-day returns policy, which was introduced in the mid-2010s, was designed to build trust in its flat-pack model, giving customers confidence to try products at home without risk.
But it also opened the door for shoppers to use furniture for extended periods before returning it – sometimes upgrading to newer items.
While the policy helped strengthen IKEA’s brand, it has not been consistent globally.
The company has already scaled back returns windows in markets like the United States and Canada, where stricter limits are now the norm.
With Australia and New Zealand now moving to a 60-day window for opened items, local customers are facing some of the tightest conditions yet.
What it means for shoppers
The change signals a broader shift across retail, where the era of ultra-flexible returns is beginning to wind back.
As costs rise and consumer behaviour evolves, retailers are increasingly focused on tightening policies, improving margins, and reducing waste.
According to the Shippit Commerce Delivery Report 2026, post-purchase experiences – including returns – are becoming a critical pressure point.
‘Acquiring customers is expensive, but even more so when poor postpurchase experiences drive them away,’ said Mareile Osthus, co-founder and CEO of humii.
‘In 2025, post-purchase friction worsened. Slow responses, unclear delivery updates, and clunky returns frustrated shoppers. The opportunity isn’t flashy innovation; it’s fixing the basics.’
For shoppers, it means being more certain before buying – and for retailers, it’s a sign that even the most customer-friendly policies are no longer immune to economic reality.
The contentious closure of a safety net hospital in Oak Park last month is set to escalate into a legal battle, as the matter heads to court.
Amidst ongoing accusations between the hospital’s property owner and the operations CEO, documents indicate that a judge from the Cook County Circuit Court will likely intervene to resolve the conflict.
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West Suburban Medical Center, which previously catered to nearly 100,000 patients annually and provided employment for hundreds, unexpectedly ceased operations two weeks ago.
State records identify two private entities as the hospital’s owners: Reddy Rathnakar Patlola, the property owner, and Manoj Prasad, the operations CEO.
Patlola owns RAMCO Healthcare Holdings, while Prasad holds a majority stake in Resilience Healthcare, the company responsible for managing West Suburban Medical Center, Weiss Memorial Hospital, and the River Forest Medical Campus.
Weiss Memorial Hospital closed its doors last summer, and offices at the River Forest Medical Campus closed the same day as West Suburban Medical Center on March 25.
Prasad blamed the hospital’s billing system for lost revenue, an allegation that the billing company has strongly denied.
As the ABC7 I-Team reported on Monday, Prasad was served an eviction notice last week by the property owner, which stated Resilience Healthcare had five days to pay $10.2 million for use of the property.
But on Tuesday, Resilience Healthcare filed a complaint in court, accusing the property owner of “sabotage” and attempting to force out hospital management to protect his own financial gain.
The complaint says the eviction notices served are “baseless,” given a specific provision in the signed lease for the hospitals, stating, “under no circumstances, including an Event of Default, shall Landlord have the right to unilaterally terminate the Lease.”
The complaint also notes an I-Team report that revealed in February the property owner, along with state officials and former hospital executives, met to discuss a plan to oust Prasad and Resilience Healthcare, given the hospital’s dire financial situation.
Resilience Healthcare is now asking the court to issue a declaratory judgment in favor of Prasad’s management.
“Faced with Patlola’s and Ramco’s continued malfeasance and its improper threat to evict them,” the complaint reads, “Weiss Memorial and West Suburban were forced to file the instant action to protect their rights and their ability to eventually reopen and serve the communities that need their assistance.”
Through a spokesperson, Prasad told the I-Team by email his focus remains on reopening the closed hospital.
“Today’s filing shows that Mr. Patlola signed a lease that explicitly prevents him from doing what he is now attempting to do,” Prasad said. “Our focus remains on reopening this hospital for the community that depends on it.”
A spokesperson for RAMCO and Patlola said he had no comment on Tuesday’s court filing, and a hearing date before a circuit court judge has been set for June 15.
Illinois’ 8th District state Rep. La Shawn Ford told the I-Team on Monday that several state agencies are probing the finances of West Suburban Medical Center leading up to its closure.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services previously told the I-Team that Resilience Healthcare owes taxpayers at least $30 million in loans that were paid since 2023.
During the second week of Tanner Horner’s capital murder trial, a chilling detail emerged linking the former delivery driver to the tragic death of 7-year-old Athena Strand. Expert testimony revealed that Horner had searched online for information about FedEx truck cameras shortly after the crime.
Scott Morris, an FBI digital forensic examiner, took the stand to discuss Horner’s internet activity. On December 1, the day in question, Horner’s cellphone search history included terms like “Paradise missing girl” and “do FedEx truck cameras constantly record.” These searches were made after the alleged kidnapping and murder of the young girl.
Horner, who is 34, had been working as a delivery driver when the incident occurred. He reportedly struck Athena with his van and then kidnapped and strangled her. He has since confessed to her murder in Tarrant County, Texas, further sealing his fate in the capital murder trial.
The revelation of Horner’s search history provides a disturbing glimpse into his mindset following the crime, as prosecutors continue to build their case in this harrowing trial.
After the murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand, 34-year-old Tanner Horner looked up “do FedEx truck cameras constantly record,” according to expert testimony on Tuesday, April 14.(KDFW-TV)
On Monday, medical examiner Dr. Jessica Dwyer testified that the cause of death was blunt force injuries, smothering, and strangulation.
Under questioning from prosecutors, Dwyer said she believed the victim suffered before she died.
Addressing the lack of physical evidence of sexual trauma, Dwyer noted that while none was found, its absence does not rule out the occurrence of an assault.
Athena Strand, 7, was kidnapped and murdered by 30-year-old FedEx delivery driver Tanner Lynn Horner. Strand’s father is suing Horner, FedEx and the contractor that hired him.(Wise County Sheriff’s Office)
Prosecutors also played five separate phone calls between Horner and family members. During one call, Horner’s mother asked him what happened during the abduction.
“What did you do? Did she die on her own?” his mother asked.
“No,” Horner admitted.
“Oh my God,” his mother exclaimed.
“I know,” Horner said.
She also asked him whether he sexually abused Athena.
“Tanner, I just hope you didn’t do nothing weird to that little girl,” his mother said.
“I didn’t,” he said.
“OK. I didn’t think you did. I just know how you get,” his mother said.
“Well, actually with my medication, I barely even have a libido as it is,” Horner said.
In a call conversation with his grandmother, Horner once again denied raping Athena.
“Are you remorseful, Tanner?” his grandmother asked.
“How can I not be?” he replied. “I haven’t been on my medication for the last few weeks, and I’m feeling emotional.”
He also, according to FOX 4 Dallas, broke down on the call when discussing that he would not be able to spend Christmas with his young son.
Following the murder, Horner wrote a letter to Athena’s heartbroken family, writing: “To Athena’s family. I wanted to start by saying how sorry I am about Athena. The entire time I’ve known my legal counsel, they continued to tell me how. I don’t need to apologize, didn’t apologize, and the trial? And frankly, I can’t hold it in any longer. I can’t tell you how many countless nights I’ve stayed awake, unable to sleep. I pray for you. For all of you. So many were affected by my breakdown. Not just your family, but my own as well. You’ll never get to see your baby girl grow up. And I’m sorry,” the letter to Athena’s family said.
Tanner Horner listens during the first day of his capital murder trial at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 7, 2026. He is charged with kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Athena Strand in 2022.(Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News)
At the start of the trial, Horner admitted to abducting Athena while delivering a package to her father’s home in Paradise, a town of fewer than 500 people about 60 miles northwest of Dallas. Her body was found on Dec. 2, two days after she was reported missing less than 10 miles away from the property.
Horner, authorities said, was delivering a package of Barbie dolls intended to be Athena’s Christmas present. She was set to return to Oklahoma with her mother after the holidays and had been staying with her father, Jacob Strand, and stepmother, Ashley Strand, in Wise County.
Former FedEx delivery driver Tanner Horner was dropping off a box of Barbies — a Christmas present for Athena Strand — to her father’s home on Nov. 30, 2022.(Varghese and Summersett Law Group)
According to the arrest warrant, Horner told investigators that he strangled the 7-year-old after accidentally hitting her with his van while making a delivery at her father’s home. He said Athena wasn’t seriously hurt after he hit her while backing up, but he panicked and put her in his van.
Athena was reported missing, and eventually an Amber Alert was issued, leading to 72 hours of searching.
Inset, left to right: Anthony Apodaca (Denver Police Dept.) and Nico Francis (GoFundMe). Background: The corner in Colorado where Apodaca allegedly shot Francis in the neck (Google Maps).
A man from Colorado, aged 31, stands accused of an attempted murder after allegedly shooting a scooter rider in the neck during an unprovoked encounter at a downtown Denver traffic light last week.
Anthony Davon Apodaca faces charges of attempted first-degree murder for the attack on Nico Francis.
Denver police were alerted to gunshots near the intersection of 18th and Stout streets shortly before 11:45 p.m. on April 3, as per a police statement. Upon arrival, officers found a man who had been shot, and the investigation was described as ongoing as they gathered details about the suspect. Later, authorities identified Apodaca as the suspect.
The investigation revealed that the confrontation began when a white SUV stopped close to the victim on his scooter, as outlined in an arrest affidavit reported by the Denver Post. A passenger in the SUV allegedly shouted at several individuals standing at a nearby bus stop before focusing his aggression on the scooter rider waiting at a red light.
A witness indicated to investigators that the SUV passenger aggressively questioned the scooter rider, demanding to know if he “had a problem.”
The victim later told police he responded by telling the passenger that he did not have a problem, but the man still pulled out a firearm and shot him, according to the report.
Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot before the SUV sped away, police reportedly said. Officers later located the vehicle and detained multiple occupants after another passenger identified Apodaca as the shooter.
Francis told Denver NBC affiliate KUSA what he remembered about his encounter with the shooter after he asked Francis whether he had a problem.
“I tried calming him down. I was like, ‘I don’t know you. I don’t want any trouble, man. I’m just trying to go meet my friends,’” Francis told the station. “He turns and I see him pointing his gun at my face and it totally shocked me. He pulled the trigger and I heard this really, really loud pop, and I look down and I see blood everywhere, and I’m just sitting there thinking is this really the moment that I die? Like I’m going to die on a sidewalk in downtown Denver and I don’t even know why.”
Asked about a possible motive, Francis told local Fox affiliate KDVR he believes the men in the SUV were just “driving around looking for a fight.”
“I think he [Apodaca] just kinda wanted to shoot somebody that night,” Francis said.
One of the most troubling aspects of the ordeal, Francis added, is the fact that Apodaca was released from detention after posting $75,000 bond, which has only compounded his fear.
“I understand he’s on house arrest, but that doesn’t make me feel any better,” he said. “I feel a lot more safe if he was in jail.”
He also credited a bystander with helping to save his life after the shooting. “He saved my life,” Francis said, describing how the man applied pressure to his wound until help arrived.
Francis expanded on the emotional and physical toll in a GoFundMe campaign, writing that he suffered significant injuries and faces ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation as he recovers.
Apodaca is scheduled to appear in Denver County Court on April 21 for an advisement hearing, records show.
Reality TV star Teresa Giudice recently opened up about the uncertainty surrounding her filming future with her brother, Joe Gorga, for the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Her daughter, Gia Giudice, also weighed in on the family’s tumultuous past.
Credit: Bravo
The tension between Teresa and Joe dates back to 2022 when Joe and his wife, Melissa Gorga, opted out of attending Teresa’s wedding to Luis Ruelas. This decision led to a significant rift, resulting in the families halting joint filming and the show taking a hiatus. However, following a period of reconciliation, Bravo announced the series’ return, with an invitation extended to both Teresa and Melissa, as well as Dolores Catania.
Speaking on the Shawn & Andrew podcast, Teresa shared her thoughts on the potential dynamic with Joe as filming resumes.
“It’s all about taking baby steps,” Teresa explained. “I’m unsure if we’ll be filming together again. Bravo hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but if we do, I plan to watch it after filming wraps.”
“This is the thing, though: it’s baby steps,” she said. “And [I’m] not sure if we’re going to film together or not again. … If we do — not sure if we are, you know, Bravo hasn’t said anything — but if we do, after we film … this time I’m definitely gonna watch it.”
“Hopefully we’ll both have each other’s backs, that’s all I want,” she went on. “I want to show America what my family was really about, like how I was raised. My brother and I always had each other’s backs.”
At one point, Gia addressed how the drama began when Teresa got “hurt.”
“She always remembered that,” said Gia. “When people hurt her that she loved and really cared about, she always will remember that. And that’s something that she does. It’s hard to make her forget and move on.”
Teresa and Melissa will film the new season with Dolores, the only castmate who absolutely refused to pick a side amid the family drama. Most co-stars from last season were, predictably, against Teresa or against Melissa.
But many fans grew tired of the ‘Team’ mentality, and they have praised Dolores for not getting sucked into it. Viewers, it seems, are ready to see drama that goes beyond the Gorga/Giudice war.
Though both sides have promised to keep the peace, no one can predict if the détente will last. If it ends, we may get another season of the same storyline that’s been playing out for years.
