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US Airman Rescued Unharmed in Daring Operation Inside Iran, Confirms Trump

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The second airman who had been unaccounted for in Iran following the downing of a US fighter jet has been successfully rescued, according to President Donald Trump.

In a late-night announcement on Saturday, Trump lauded the mission as “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History.” He proudly stated that a colonel was safely recovered from deep within hostile territory.

Trump’s announcement mirrored the famous declaration by President Obama following the 2011 operation that eliminated Osama bin Laden, as he enthusiastically proclaimed, “WE GOT HIM!”

The President shared in a Truth Social post that this courageous soldier had been stranded behind enemy lines in Iran’s perilous mountain regions, being relentlessly pursued by adversaries who were closing in rapidly.

Despite sustaining injuries during a fierce confrontation with IRGC forces, the colonel is now “safe and sound,” Trump confirmed.

According to Fox News, the rescue mission’s success was partly thanks to a ‘deception campaign’ launched by the CIA inside Iran. 

The intelligence agency spread the word that US forces had already found the colonel and were moving him, which confused Iranian forces. 

The airman ejected from an F-15E fighter jet along with the aircraft’s pilot in the early hours of Friday, sparking a frantic two-day search operation that culminated in a fierce firefight. 

Trump said the aircraft’s pilot was secretly rescued hours after the crash, but that operation was kept quiet to not ‘jeopardize our second rescue operation.’ 

A second US airman shot down over Iran has been rescued in a daring rescue mission following a fierce firefight with the IRGC, reports say. The wreckage of the pilot's F-15E fighter jet is pictured

A second US airman shot down over Iran has been rescued in a daring rescue mission following a fierce firefight with the IRGC, reports say. The wreckage of the pilot’s F-15E fighter jet is pictured

Pictured: The ejected seat from the US aircraft as published in Iranian media

Pictured: The ejected seat from the US aircraft as published in Iranian media  

Trump touted the success of the rescue mission on Saturday evening. In a playful echo of President Obama's famous words after US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, Trump began his statement announcing the news: 'WE GOT HIM'

Trump touted the success of the rescue mission on Saturday evening. In a playful echo of President Obama’s famous words after US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, Trump began his statement announcing the news: ‘WE GOT HIM’

The F-15E jet was downed on Friday soon after a US A-10 Warthog was also shot from the sky by Iranian forces in a chaotic day of fighting, marking the first US aircraft downed since the start of the conflict. 

It came after Trump said earlier on Truth Social that US forces had ‘terminated’ several of Iran’s military leaders, sharing footage appearing to show an airstrike taking out top IRGC commanders.

Trump’s social media posts praising the rescue operations came hours after the White House furiously shut down rumors the president was hospitalized on Saturday. 

The government said Trump not made public appearances in three days because he is focusing on the conflict with Iran. 

Following the downing of two US aircrafts on Friday, Iran placed a $60,000 bounty on the heads of the US airmen, vowing to seek revenge on US military forces for the conflict. 

Before the rescue mission took place, the official X account for the Iranian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, released harrowing new images of the destroyed F-15E jet, accompanied by a taunting caption.

‘The stealth fighter that now has no escape but to lie under the feet of aerospace warriors,’ the embassy wrote.

‘That same stealth giant, for which they wove legends for years, is today a pile of scrap metal fallen to the ground – this is the very technology they claimed was invisible and untouchable,’ it added. ‘But now it has been seen and brought down.’ 

While the pilot was rescued quickly, the second member of the crew, a Weapons Systems Officer, used specialized survival techniques to evade capture long enough to be saved, Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin said in an X post on Saturday night. 

The soldier used SERE – survival, evasion, resistance and escape – training to evade capture, hiking up an elevated ridge away from the wreckage and putting out an emergency beacon in hopes of being located. 

Griffin said a number of Iranian military forces were killed and injured in the operation, but no US soldiers were killed.  

Trump said earlier on Truth Social that US forces had 'terminated' several of Iran's military leaders, sharing footage appearing to show an airstrike taking out top IRGC commanders

Trump said earlier on Truth Social that US forces had ‘terminated’ several of Iran’s military leaders, sharing footage appearing to show an airstrike taking out top IRGC commanders

The Iranian military previously shared footage appearing to show the F-15E fighter jet being blown out of the sky

The Iranian military previously shared footage appearing to show the F-15E fighter jet being blown out of the sky 

A US official told Fox News the mission was ‘very complex’, and involved several branches of the US military to find and rescue the airman. 

During search and rescue operations on Friday, two rescue helicopters were hit by Iranian forces and crew members on board were injured. 

As Iranian forces closed in on the stranded airman, footage circulating on social media appeared to show members of Iran’s Bakhtiari tribes in Khuzestan heading into the mountains, rifles in hand, to search for the American soldier. 

Iranians have been offered a $60,000 bounty for the pilot’s ‘head,’ while Trump declined to comment on how he would respond if the airman were to have been harmed.

Broadcasters urged locals near the crash site to seize the American, telling viewers: ‘If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police you will receive a precious prize.’

News channels also flashed messages on screen of ‘shoot them if you see them’ and showed footage of villagers scouring a rocky hillside.

In a gloating online statement, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf taunted the US and Trump over his repeated claims of winning the war.

‘After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from “regime change” to “Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?”’ Ghalibaf wrote.

President Trump Celebrates Successful Rescue of Second U.S. Airman from Iran

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Late on Saturday night, several news organizations confirmed that the second crew member from the F15E fighter jet had been successfully rescued from behind enemy lines in Iran. Both the rescued crew member and the rescue team have safely exited the country.

In response to the successful rescue operation, President Trump issued a statement:

MORE: Deadline Looms: Trump Gives Iran 48 Hours to Open the Strait of Hormuz or Prepare for Severe Consequences

Shortly thereafter, President Trump responded:

My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!





The president’s full message:

FROM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND! This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue. At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine. This miraculous Search and Rescue Operation comes in addition to a successful rescue of another brave Pilot, yesterday, which we did not confirm, because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation. This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND! The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies. This is a moment that ALL Americans, Republican, Democrat, and everyone else, should be proud of and united around. We truly have the best, most professional, and lethal Military in the History of the World. GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, AND HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!





Griffin, meanwhile, had more on what went down:

The WSO used the SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training to evade capture, hiding on an elevated ridge after hiking away from the wreckage and putting out an emergency beacon.) US Special Operations rescue forces to include PJs (United States Air Force Pararescuemen (PJs) and many layers of elite rescue forces took part in the complex, layered mission to both find the crew member and also keep the Iranian forces who were hunting the American weapons system operator at bay. There are videos that have appeared from local eyewitnesses that show what appear to have been injured and dead Iranian members of the IRGC and Basij who were looking for the downed American crew member. Fox has learned there was fighting on the ground but no Americans killed during the operation. “It was a very complex operation to retrieve the downed service member,” a well placed source briefed on the operation told me. Many different branches of the US military were involved in the rescue.


MORE: Clock’s Ticking: Trump Warns Iran They’ve Got 48 Hours to Open Hormuz or Face Hell Raining Down

Reports: 1 Crew Member Rescued After Iran Downs US Fighter Jet, Search Continues for Second


The fighting got heavy as both American and Iranian forces desperately searched for the downed pilot:





An American airman who went missing after Iran shot down an F-15 fighter jet has been rescued after a “heavy firefight,” a US government official told Al Jazeera.

Although the weapons officer has been recovered, it is understood the operation is still ongoing and the crew may still be in Iranian territory and in danger.

It comes after reports of air strikes overnight in Dehdasht, near where the aircraft was shot down. 

Two crew members had ejected from the plane after Tehran’s forces downed it on Friday, one of whom was located shortly after the crash, but the whereabouts of the second were unknown. 

The ensuing manhunt for the missing weapons officer triggered a race between American forces and armed Iranian nomads motivated by a £50,000 bounty offered by the Islamic Republic for the airman’s capture.

They kept going back in.

Both crew home.

This is extremely good news as we head into Easter. God bless our troops.

UPDATE 4/5/26 12:48 a.m.

Adding this tweet because it’s perfect:






Editor’s Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.

Help us report the truth about the Trump administration’s decisive actions to keep Americans safe and bring peace to the world. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership.



Hailey Bieber Stuns in Sydney with Glamorous Entourage for Rhode Skincare Launch

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Hailey Bieber has arrived in Australia in anticipation of the upcoming launch of her skincare line, Rhode, in the country.

The acclaimed brand, renowned for products like its glazing milk toner, blush, and lip tint, will become available at MECCA starting February 12, marking the end of a three-year wait for Australian fans.

The 29-year-old Vogue model made a stylish entrance at Sydney Airport on Wednesday, capturing attention with her chic ensemble.

Hailey donned a classic white top paired with a striking belted jacket designed by Magda Butrym.

The sophisticated jacket, valued at AUD $3,930, boasted a cinched waist and a unique bubble hem, adding a fashionable flair to her arrival.

Hailey also wore a pair of crisp white trousers and completed her ensemble with a pair of black, pointed-toe pumps.

Hailey Bieber has touched down in Australia ahead of the Down Under launch of her skincare brand Rhode

Hailey Bieber has touched down in Australia ahead of the Down Under launch of her skincare brand Rhode 

The Vogue model, 29, cut a very chic figure when she was spotted arriving at Sydney Airport on Wednesday

The Vogue model, 29, cut a very chic figure when she was spotted arriving at Sydney Airport on Wednesday

Wearing her brunette locks back in a tight bun, Hailey accessorised with a large black leather shoulder bag.

She shielded her eyes with a pair of black sunglasses and listened to music through white headphones.

Flanked by what appeared to be two bodyguards, Hailey looked effortlessly cool as she exited the airport.

She was also joined by a retinue of fans, eagerly following the model in hopes of a selfie or a smile.

And Hailey obliged, offering the crowd a wave and a grin as she walked.        

For years, fans have been begging Rhode and Hailey to bring the curated line-up of products to Australia and New Zealand.

Up until now, it’s been hard for Aussie shoppers to buy the products, with many stocking up while visiting the US or forking out a fortune to have them shipped via third-party sellers. 

But fans will no longer have to go through the trouble, with Rhode launching at MECCA and the full collection available to ship directly to homes across Australia and New Zealand via rhodeskin.com.

Join the discussion

Are YOU excited to see Hailey Bieber bring Rhode to Australia?

The brunette beauty wore a white top under an eye-catching belted jacket from Magda Butrym. The AUD $3,930 jacket featured a cinched waist a bubble hem

The brunette beauty wore a white top under an eye-catching belted jacket from Magda Butrym. The AUD $3,930 jacket featured a cinched waist a bubble hem

Hailey also wore a pair of crisp white trousers and finished her ensemble with a pair of black, pointed-toe pumps

Hailey also wore a pair of crisp white trousers and finished her ensemble with a pair of black, pointed-toe pumps

Wearing her brunette locks back in a tight bun, Hailey accessorised with a large black leather shoulder bag

Wearing her brunette locks back in a tight bun, Hailey accessorised with a large black leather shoulder bag 

Flanked by what appeared to be two bodyguards, Hailey exuded an effortless cool as she exited the airport

Flanked by what appeared to be two bodyguards, Hailey exuded an effortless cool as she exited the airport

‘We are proud to announce our global expansion to Australia and New Zealand, bringing the world of Rhode to even more places and faces,’ Hailey said.

‘When launching into the Australian market, we looked for a globally aligned partner and Mecca was that perfect fit.’

Fans have expressed their excitement on social media after waking up to the major news, with one saying: ‘Dreams really do come true.’ 

Rhode was founded by Hailey Rhode Bieber in June 2022. She serves as the brand’s founder, chief creative officer and head of innovation, as well as a strategic advisor to e.l.f. Beauty.

In 2025, Rhode was acquired by e.l.f. Beauty for $1 billion.

She was also joined by a retinue of fans, eagerly following the model in hopes of a selfie or a smile

She was also joined by a retinue of fans, eagerly following the model in hopes of a selfie or a smile

And Hailey obliged, offering the crowd a wave and a grin as she walked

And Hailey obliged, offering the crowd a wave and a grin as she walked

The popular brand, best known for its glazing milk toner, blush and lip tint, is set to launch at MECCA from February 12, ending a three-year wait for Aussies

The popular brand, best known for its glazing milk toner, blush and lip tint, is set to launch at MECCA from February 12, ending a three-year wait for Aussies

Rhode was founded by Hailey Rhode Bieber in June 2022. She serves as the brand's founder, chief creative officer and head of innovation, as well as a strategic advisor to e.l.f. Beauty

Rhode was founded by Hailey Rhode Bieber in June 2022. She serves as the brand’s founder, chief creative officer and head of innovation, as well as a strategic advisor to e.l.f. Beauty

Concerns Rise Over Potential Threats from Iran’s Covert Chinese Drone Operations in the US

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Iran is reportedly developing a decentralized drone warfare system, utilizing the basements of apartment buildings in Tehran, according to a prominent defense expert. This initiative is said to rely heavily on affordable technology sourced from China.

Cameron Chell, from Draganfly, has expressed concerns that this burgeoning system, which focuses on first-person-view (FPV) drones, could pose significant threats not only throughout the Middle East but also to the United States.

“FPVs are Iran’s strategic advantage due to their difficulty to defend against, their remarkable effectiveness, and their ability to operate without a centralized command,” Chell explained in an interview with Fox News Digital.

He elaborated that the Iranian military, various militia groups, and even Iranian citizens could potentially create or acquire these FPV drones to carry out offensive operations.

Smoke rising over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers in Manama.

In a recent incident underscoring these concerns, smoke was seen rising after an Iranian drone was intercepted over the Bahrain Financial Harbour towers. This location, which houses the Israeli embassy, became a focal point during the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran in Manama, Bahrain, on March 6, 2026.

He added that “Iran could be reiterating FPVs and churning out more than 100,000 a month over time.”

“Iran’s got either militias or sleeper cells in the states who can, in my estimation, already build this equipment,” Chell clarified.

Chell’s warning comes as recent incidents in Iraq highlight the growing use of FPVs.

At Baghdad International Airport, Iranian-backed militias operating under the “Iraqi Islamic Resistance” umbrella have launched multiple FPV drone attacks.

Footage released in March 2026 allegedly shows an FPV drone striking a U.S. UH-60M or HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, while another attack successfully hit a U.S. AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar unit at the same base.

“FPVs are a central core theme, and Iran is building these itself, suspecting they’re pulling parts in from China and getting the parts through some pretty porous borders. So, it is very difficult to stop that,” Chell said.

Tel Aviv

A drone view of the site of an Iranian missile strike on a residential building after Iran launched missile barrages following attacks by the U.S. and Israel in Tel Aviv (Reuters/Roei Kastro)

He warned that Iran’s strategy mirrors what has already occurred in Ukraine, where decentralized drone manufacturing has flourished.

“There will be, or already is, an underground industry for FPV and drone manufacturing, which will or is swelling up inside Iran, the exact same way that we saw it swell up inside Ukraine,” he explained.

“This is going to be happening in people’s homes in Iran, people’s basements, the basements of apartment blocks, where they can construct makeshift assembly lines.

“I am confident China and Russia are shipping in parts to help support the development of drone assembly or manufacturing capability, which is a de facto decentralized cottage industry.”

Concerns extend beyond overseas battlefields as about 1,500 Iranians were intercepted at the U.S. border during the Biden administration.

Officials warn the unknown number who evaded detection raises fears of potential “sleeper cells.”

Iranian drone exercise

Iran drone swarms threaten U.S. military assets in Middle East region (Iranian Army/WANA/Handout via Reuters)

President Trump acknowledged the issue March 11, saying, “A lot of people came in through Biden with his stupid open border, but we know where most of them are: We’ve got our eye on all of them, I think.”

“It is the beginning of an asymmetric capability that the Iranians will use against their neighbors and U.S. assets in the region, but also the U.S. homeland,” Chell said.

“We may even want to call it terrorist attacks, using FPV’s against their neighbors and practically anywhere in the world.

“It’s a matter of when we see FPV attacks, probably swarm, probably sophisticated, on U.S. soil.”

“Within the next eight months, the Iranians are going to have sophisticated drone systems that can defeat some RF/radio frequency jamming. They will start to use tactics like swarming or spoofing,” he warned.

“It will be very, very difficult for the U.S. to take out these little drone factories in the basements of apartment blocks where civilians help. Cutting supply chains will also be difficult.

“The primary choke point for the Iranians is to establish supply chains from China to have enough supply to constitute precision mass capability and/or consistent, pervasive asymmetric capability,” Chell said before stating that, if this happens, “the war between Iran and the U.S. just gets a lot longer.”

Trump Delivers Misspelled Warning to Iran Concerning Strait of Hormuz

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Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran concerning the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, although his message contained a spelling mistake.

On Saturday morning, the former President took to his Truth Social platform, stating, “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!”

The message, which likely intended to use “rain” instead of “reign,” comes amidst escalating tensions over this crucial maritime route, essential to the global oil supply chain.

Trump had initially set the deadline for Iran to reopen the strategic passageway at the end of March. Following a request from Iran for an extension, he moved the deadline to April 6 at 8 PM ET.

Should Iran fail to meet this revised deadline, Trump has threatened to resume bombing Iran’s energy facilities, a move that contravenes the Geneva Convention.

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham – a close Trump ally and notorious war hawk – said he backed the president’s ultimatum.

‘I just had a great conversation with @POTUS,’ Graham wrote on X.

‘I totally support his ultimatum to the Iranian regime to open up the Strait of Hormuz and to do a peace deal.

President Donald Trump issued his latest warning to Iran on Saturday morning, demanding they open the Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump issued his latest warning to Iran on Saturday morning, demanding they open the Strait of Hormuz

Pictured: An Indian ship moves through the Strait of Hormuz on April 1, 2026. Iran has set up a selective blockade, only allowing 'friendly' nations through

Pictured: An Indian ship moves through the Strait of Hormuz on April 1, 2026. Iran has set up a selective blockade, only allowing ‘friendly’ nations through

‘A massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly. This regime has been severely crippled through Operation.’ 

Trump’s latest threat comes after he posted on Friday that if given more time, ‘we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.’

Ever since the war in Iran broke out on February 28, the Strait has been a key point of contention since roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply is transported through it. 

Iran has asserted control over the Strait, implementing a blockade against nations that support the American-Israeli war effort. 

So far, access has been granted to ships from countries that Iran considers ‘friendly’, including China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan. 

On Friday, a French ship became the first vessel from a Western nation to be allowed to pass through the Strait.

It came after French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump’s saber-rattling in the Middle East and implored him to get serious about opening the Strait.

French authorities have not yet commented on the ship being allowed through, but the container vessel signaled its non-hostile status to Iran during its journey.

Trump’s eagerness to get the Strait of Hormuz open comes as gasoline prices skyrocket in the United States and across the world.

According to AAA, the average gas price in the US is $4.10 per gallon, a 37 percent increase since before the war began, when it was just below $3 per gallon.

The majority of Americans feel the war in Iran has gone too far, according to a survey by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. 

Other polls show even Republicans are increasingly souring on the latest campaign in the Middle East. Many GOP voters gave Trump a second term at least in part because of his repeated promises that he would not start new wars.

Trump gave an address to the nation on Wednesday, reiterating claims that the US has significantly degraded Iran’s missile-launching capabilities.

Join the discussion

What do you think are the real risks and rewards if Trump makes good on his threat to Iran?

The war in Iran began on February 28, which led to the almost immediate closure of the Strait of Hormuz (Pictured: Israeli strike on building in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 31, 2026)

The war in Iran began on February 28, which led to the almost immediate closure of the Strait of Hormuz (Pictured: Israeli strike on building in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 31, 2026)

Pictured: Moment the US-Israeli airstrike struck the B1 Bridge in Karaj, Iran

Pictured: Moment the US-Israeli airstrike struck the B1 Bridge in Karaj, Iran

Shahid Beheshti University following a military strike carried out by the United States and Israel

Shahid Beheshti University following a military strike carried out by the United States and Israel

‘Their navy is gone. Their air force is gone. Their missiles are just about used up or beaten. Taken together, these actions will cripple Iran’s military, crush their ability to support terrorist proxies and deny them the ability to build a nuclear bomb,’ Trump said. 

Contrary to Trump’s claims that Iran’s arsenal had been severely set back, US intelligence sources told Reuters that two-thirds of Iran’s missiles are intact.

And two days after Trump’s speech, during which he said America’s operational objectives were close to being met, a US fighter jet was shot down over Iran.

It was an F-15E fighter jet, which had two crew members onboard. They both ejected from the aircraft and one has been recovered alive. The other has not been found by search-and-rescue teams.

So far, 13 US military service members have been killed in the war and more than 300 have been wounded, according to US Central Command. No troops have been taken prisoner by Iran.

In Iran, Israeli and American airstrikes have killed more than 1,900 people, according to the country’s deputy health minister. 

Workers Set to End Strike and Reopen Talks at Key US Meatpacking Facility


Employees at one of the country’s largest meatpacking facilities have decided to end a three-week strike and resume work after JBS USA, the plant’s owner, consented to reopen negotiations, according to labor union officials on Saturday.

The strike involved thousands of employees from the Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado. It began on March 16, orchestrated by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 union, as part of efforts to secure increased wages and improved healthcare benefits.

This labor action unfolded against the backdrop of the U.S. cattle numbers reaching their lowest point in 75 years, a situation exacerbated by drought and the low prices offered to ranchers. Concurrently, beef prices have surged to unprecedented levels, contributing to economic concerns across the nation.

The union announced that workers would return to their jobs on Tuesday morning, following JBS USA’s commitment to resume discussions later in the week.

“Our workers stand strong and will persist in their fight,” stated Kim Cordova, the local union president, in a press release.

JBS USA spokesperson Nikki Richardson said the company is “preparing to resume and ramp up operations at the Greeley plant next week.”

“Our Last, Best and Final offer remains on the table,” Richardson said in an email that did not include terms. “We hope employees will have the opportunity to review and vote on it soon.”

The strike at Greeley is the first strike at a U.S. slaughterhouse since workers walked out at a Hormel plant in Minnesota in 1985. That strike lasted more than a year and included violent confrontations between police and protesters.

JBS is the world’s largest meatpacking company with a market capitalization of $17 billion. It is the top employer in Greeley, a city 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Denver with a population of about 114,000 people.

The strike at Greeley was launched on accusations by union officials that management at Swift Beef Co. retaliated against workers and committed other unfair labor practices.

The union said the company had offered less than 2% more a year in wages, which is less than inflation in Colorado. JBS USA has denied any labor law violations and said its contract offer was fair.

The Greeley plant has about 6% of the total U.S. beef slaughterhouse capacity, said Abby Greiman, a livestock market adviser for industry consultant Ever.Ag.

An extended strike threatened to disrupt the industry, which could ultimately drive up prices, said Jennifer Martin at Colorado State University’s animal sciences department.

The price for 100% ground chuck beef more than doubled over the past two decades from $2.55 to $6.07 per pound, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Colorado walkout followed the January closure of a meatpacking plant in Lexington, Nebraska, which was expected to ripple through the local economy and community. Tyson Foods cited the smaller herd and millions of dollars in expected losses this year.

JBS shares were approved for trading on the New York Stock Exchange last May despite environmental opposition and a federal probe that led to its guilty plea in October to bribing Brazilian officials for the financing it used for its U.S. expansion.

At the Greeley plant, union officials said the company tried to intimidate workers to quit the union in one-on-one meetings, union general counsel Matt Shechter said.

Sisters of Fallen Constable Take Legal Action Against Dezi Freeman; Victoria Police React

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Victoria Police has issued a lengthy statement in response to allegations made by the sisters of a senior constable who was killed by Dezi Freeman.

Dianne Thompson and Lois Kirk have expressed their dismay to The Herald Sun, stating they were informed about their brother Neal Thompson’s death through a phone call instead of a face-to-face meeting.

He and nine others in the sexual offences and child investigation team tried to serve Freeman an arrest warrant in Porepunkah on August 26.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson. (Victoria Police)

Neal Thompson, aged 59, was tragically one of the two officers who lost their lives when Freeman launched a deadly attack and subsequently vanished into the wilderness, successfully evading arrest for seven months.

The sisters also alleged they were not invited to Thompson’s memorial services and were not told that Freeman had been fatally shot by police on Monday during a stand-off at his hiding place in Thologolong, over two hours away from Porepunkah and near the NSW border.
They have previously communicated their grievances in a letter to Police Commissioner Mike Bush and now plan to sue Victoria Police. 

Victoria Police has acknowledged the concerns raised by Thompson and Kirk and indicated that they responded promptly after receiving a letter from Bush.

Neal Thompson, Leading Detective Senior Constable at Victoria Police
Neal Thompson, Leading Detective Senior Constable at Victoria Police (Victoria Police)

In an official statement, Victoria Police assured, “We have maintained consistent communication with the families since the tragic event occurred and have made every effort to keep them informed and ensure support services are available to them.”

The statement further noted, “The Chief Commissioner has personally reached out multiple times to speak with Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson’s partner, the parents of Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, and the officer who was seriously injured during the incident on August 26, 2025.”

“However, we also acknowledge some issues raised by the sisters of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and police have met with them directly as a result of a letter they sent to the Chief Commissioner.”

Victoria Police have appointed the sisters their own police liaison officers from the homicide squad and the local area to update them on the investigation.

Victoria's Mount Buffalo National Park has officially reopened after an extensive, eight week manhunt for accused police killer Dezi Freeman.
Dezi Freeman was killed in a volley of fire on Monday. (A Current Affair)

The force is in discussions with the pair about any ongoing concerns, but refused to provide further details.

“Victoria Police acknowledges that the past seven months have been an incredibly difficult time following in the incident in Porepunkah, particularly the families of the two police officers killed,” Victoria Police said.

“While every effort is made to provide timely updates to all families involved, we are always conscious of the need to manage ongoing investigations.” 

9news.com.au has contacted the sisters’ lawyer for comment.

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Latest Updates on ‘The Madison’ Season 2: Are New Episodes Dropping This Week?


We may only be a few months into the year, but Taylor Sheridan seems to be on a creative spree, churning out an impressive slate of television projects. Though it’s an exaggeration to say he’s launched 25 new shows, 2026 has certainly been a banner year for the prolific screenwriter.

Among his achievements, the second season of the hit series Landman, starring Billy Bob Thornton, wrapped up in January, and fans can look forward to more coming soon. Meanwhile, Marshals, a spin-off from the beloved Yellowstone, featuring Luke Grimes, is currently captivating audiences on CBS. Adding to the excitement, the eagerly awaited spin-off Dutton Ranch, starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, is set to premiere on Paramount+ on May 15.

Since 2018, Sheridan has been setting the bar high for TV writers everywhere.

Another noteworthy addition to Sheridan’s impressive lineup is The Madison, a family drama led by the talented Michelle Pfeiffer, which recently made its debut on Paramount+. As fans dive into this new series, questions about its future have already started swirling. Is The Madison here to stay? Will there be a second season?

Is The Madison Airing New Episodes This Week on Paramount?

For those wondering, the season finale of The Madison aired on March 21, 2026, on Paramount+, but details about a potential continuation remain under wraps.

How Many Episodes Are There of The Madison?

The first season of The Madison consists of six episodes.

Will There Be a Season 2 of The Madison on Paramount+?

You know it! Not only has the series been renewed for Season 2, but the second season’s already been shot!

“The family unit of the Clyburns is what holds everyone together, and they’re all integral to that dynamic,” series director Christina Alexandra Voros told The Hollywood Reporter. “So there are a lot of questions at the end of season one that will be answered when you get to season two.”

No official release date has been announced, but thankfully, another season of The Madison is on the way.

Will There Be More Episodes of The Madison?

We already know there’s a second season on the way, but Michelle Pfeiffer recently told The Hollywood Reporter that Sheridan and company are “hoping for season three.” And she’s not the only cast member who wants the show to continue.

Per THR, Beau Garrett believes that “five seasons would be a nice number to follow the Clyburn story through,” with her co-star Patrick J. Adams echoing her sentiments.

“I think I speak for everyone when I say we would gladly shoot this show forever,” Adams said. “I think we’ve found something kind of miraculously special here, so as long as it’s a story people want to hear, we’d be happy to tell it.”

Where To Watch The Madison Online:

All six episodes of The Madison are streaming on Paramount+, which is available for $8.99/month or $13.99/month (Paramount+ Premium).

You can also add Paramount+ to your Amazon or Hulu accounts for an additional $13.99/month.

Does Paramount+ Offer a Free Trial?

Nope. There was recently a free trial available through Prime Video, but that promo isn’t currently available.

Vehicle Collides with Festive Crowd at Lao New Year Celebration in Louisiana

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A vehicle plowed into festival-goers at a Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana on Saturday, leaving several individuals injured, according to local authorities.

The driver was promptly apprehended and faces charges for driving under the influence, as confirmed by the police.

Footage circulating on social media depicted a chaotic scene at the annual celebration in Broussard and New Iberia, with numerous people lying on the ground. Firefighters were seen assisting someone trapped beneath the vehicle, which eventually came to rest in a ditch along the parade route.

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that about 15 individuals sustained injuries, with some in serious condition.

“Preliminary investigations suggest this incident was not deliberate,” stated Rebecca Melancon, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

Acadian Ambulance, a private ambulance company, said on social media that it responded to the emergency around 2:30 p.m. and sent 10 ambulances and a helicopter to aid the injured. Two patients were airlifted, it said.

The Louisiana State Police said the driver, who is 57 and lived in Jeanerette, appeared impaired when police arrived and later tested positive for a high blood alcohol level. He was charged with impaired, negligent and careless driving and having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

The parade is part of a three-day New Year celebration set in the Lanxang Village, a Laotian neighborhood near New Iberia with hundreds of families, and near the Buddhist temple grounds of Wat Thammarattanaram.

It features Southeast Asian food, live music, a parade and other family-friendly activities attracting thousands each year.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued a statement about the incident. “Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene,” he said.

The festival’s organizers issued a statement on Facebook saying they were “profoundly saddened” by the incident.

“We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time,” it said.

Afternoon and evening events were canceled, but the festival planned to hold religious services on Sunday, the organizers said.

Inside Concerns: The Real Story Behind Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ Marriage Woes




Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos rank among Hollywood’s enduring couples, having celebrated over three decades of marriage. In an industry notorious for fleeting relationships, they stand as a symbol of enduring love, often dubbed #UltimateRelationshipGoals. However, recent public appearances and interviews have sparked speculation about their marital bliss. During the 2026 Oscars, observers noted a palpable tension between the two, with some fans commenting on their seemingly distant demeanor. One social media user remarked, “He’s so sick of her he doesn’t even look at her,” while another questioned, “I wonder how he feels about being upstaged by his wife 24/7.”

Ripa’s reaction to this was a mix of horror and amusement. She laughed, exclaiming, “Oh my God. Oh, dear God, I hope I live to see your second wife!” Yet, this lighthearted banter has not dispelled concerns.

As a mother of three and the co-host of the popular morning show, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Kelly Ripa values her solitude. In an October 2025 episode of “Live,” she discussed an article emphasizing the importance of disconnecting from the digital world for some much-needed alone time. Ripa shared her love for solitude, asking her husband, “You don’t take it personally that I love alone time, right?” This conversation, reported by EW, highlighted the couple’s dynamic and Ripa’s need for personal space amid her hectic life.

Ripa seemed both horrified and amused by that thought. “Oh my God. Oh, dear God, I hope I live to see your second wife!” she laughed. But there are other warning signs.

Ripa loves it when Consuelos leaves her alone

As a busy mom of three and host of the long-running morning talk show, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Kelly Ripa understandably relishes having some peace and quiet to herself. During an October 2025 episode of “Live,” the “Riverdale” actor discussed an article she’d recently come across that stresses the importance of unplugging and spending time alone in the age of the internet and social media. “I love alone time,” Ripa said (via EW). “You don’t take it personally that I love alone time, right?” she then asked Mark Consuelos.

Without taking a beat, Ripa confessed that she occasionally finds herself wanting to lash out at her husband for interrupting her me-time. “Sometimes when I’m enjoying my alone time and you come in the room, I want to scream. You know what I mean?” she said frankly. “I feel like you’ve interrupted my alone time because you’re done with your alone time. And then you just come in, like, oh, your alone time’s done, so so is mine.”

She mentioned having a shared calendar with Consuelos, which supposedly indicates how long she expects to be left alone without interruptions. “I need 40 more minutes. It’s there if you read the schedule,” Ripa snarked at her husband. When Consuelos argued that there was no “Kelly alone time” written on their schedule, Ripa acknowledged this and promised to be clearer about her desire for personal time moving forward. Hmm. Sounds like she’s desperate for some time apart from Consuelos.

Ripa has a bold admission about their sex life

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have always been refreshingly candid about their sex life. As a married couple, they understand how important sex and intimacy are for keeping the spark alive in a marriage. But as honest as they are about these topics, sometimes things can get a little awkward. For instance, Ripa once confessed that she finds her husband’s preference for morning sex disgusting. Appearing on the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast, hosted by Amanda Hirch, Ripa suggested that Consuelos tends to call the shots in the bedroom. “I said to him, ‘Here’s the thing. There needs to be a yin and a yang here. It can’t always be your way,” says Ripa. “‘Cause it feels like 90 percent of the time it’s your way. And now that we work together every day, it’s gonna have to sometimes be my way, and my way’s at night only.’”

And to paint a picture of how morning sex normally looks for her and Conseulos, Ripa narrated, “I have a retainer in, I gotta rip that out, and he’s got, like, his nasal strips on.” Admittedly, it always leaves her feeling gross. “It’s like we are the most repulsive, disgusting [people],” Ripa emphasized. In fact, “I’m already pre-disgusted for tomorrow morning.”

As for Consuelos, he admits that joining “Live with Kelly and Mark” was the answer to breaking his morning sex habit. And let’s just say that his wife is more than okay with it. “May this show last until he suffers from erectile dysfunction,” Ripa jokingly said on the podcast. “He’s in his mid-50s, shouldn’t that be happening now? I was promised!”

Ripa ‘resents’ her husband for this simple reason

Kelly Ripa has admitted to having several cosmetic procedures to look great and slow down the aging process. Unlike her husband, Mark Consuelos, she regularly gets treatments to combat her wrinkles and keep her face firm and lifted. And she hates the fact that he doesn’t have to do all that work to look just as amazing. “Every day that I wake up aging 6 months more than you. … It bothers me,” Ripa quipped during a June 2025 episode of their show (via People). “Like, I resent the fact that you just aren’t aging. At all.” She may or may not be joking. “It’s your fault,” Ripa continued, noting that Consuelos had only recently started to get gray hairs, too. “And he’s like, ‘Can you see it?’” says Ripa. “If I plucked out my gray hairs, I’d be bald. Completely bald. Totally bald,” she added.

And Consuelos would tease her over this. During a prior episode, Ripa talked about the benefits of Botox for relaxing the jaw muscles and preventing chronic teeth grinding. With “Criminal Minds” star Adam Rodriguez as their guest, Ripa explained that Botox helped solve her teeth-clenching problems. Instead of contributing to the conversation, however, Consuelos chimed in by mimicking Ripa’s face every time she gets new injections and warning Rodriguez, “You won’t be able to smile or do anything else,” (via Hello!). When Ripa protested that she doesn’t look like that, Consuelos continued to make fun of her, much to his wife’s annoyance (and perhaps, exasperation).

“Just remember this statement tonight when you start rubbing up against me,” Ripa scolded her husband. “I don’t want to have a debate like, ‘What’s wrong? What’s the matter? Why are you ignoring me?’” She was obviously kidding, but it felt like there was some underlying tension there.

Consuelos hints he and Ripa don’t talk off-air

In March 2026, Mark Consuelos joined “Summer House” alum KJ Dillard as guests on the late-night show “Watch What Happens Live” hosted by Andy Cohen. During a segment, the actor dished on his marriage to Kelly Ripa after an audience member asked if they’ve ever disagreed about things that were said or discussed on their show. “Have there been any on-air conversations with Kelly that led to arguments at home?” the fan wondered. Consuelos answered no. “But, sometimes we bring up stuff on air because it’s kind of a safe space,” he candidly stated. “Because there’s an audience there, you can kind of make a joke out of it.”

That can’t possibly be healthy. Cohen, however, could see the point he was trying to make. He said, “Right. I love it when Page Six will be like, ‘Mark and Kelly had a huge fight today on the show,’” prompting Consuelos to react defensively, “Oh, no, never.” The Bravo star went on, “And I’m like, oh my God, what did they talk about? And it’s like, it’s amazing: leaving for the airport early,” appearing to reference a “Live with Kelly and Mark” episode in which Ripa and Consuelos talked about the concept of an “airport divorce.” “Yeah, no,” Consuelos agreed.

Fans couldn’t help finding his answer a little suspicious. “He answered too quickly. I bet they don’t talk off air,” one Instagram user proposed. Others observed there was something off about his body language. “He looks like he is afraid of Kelly,” someone posited, while another person remarked, “BS!!! Mark is so unhappy.” Given this, and their strange behavior at the 2026 Oscars, we’re starting to think that their marriage may not be as picture-perfect as it seems.