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Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Announce Full Accessibility of Strait of Hormuz

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Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Announce Full Accessibility of Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump, along with Iran’s foreign minister, has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is once again accessible for commercial shipping, coinciding with a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon that seems to be holding steady.

This temporary halt in hostilities between Israel and the Hezbollah militant faction could potentially remove a significant barrier to achieving an agreement between Iran, the United States, and Israel aimed at concluding the protracted conflict. However, uncertainty lingers as to whether Hezbollah will accept an agreement that it had no part in crafting, particularly since Israeli forces will maintain control over a portion of southern Lebanon.

Trump took to social media to share that Iran has declared the strait “fully open and ready for full passage.”

Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, on March 11, 2026. (AP)

Similarly, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed via a post on X that the strait is “declared completely open” for all commercial traffic, in accordance with the ceasefire in Lebanon. He noted that this status would be maintained for the duration of the ceasefire.

The implications for the US blockade of the strait remain uncertain. Nevertheless, Trump affirmed that the blockade would continue with “full force” until a comprehensive agreement with Iran is reached to end the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile in Beirut, barrages of gunshots rang out across the city as residents fired into the air just after midnight to celebrate the beginning of the truce, and displaced families began moving toward southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs despite warnings by officials not to attempt to return to their homes until it became clear whether the ceasefire would hold.

A spokesperson for the UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon said on Friday that they have not observed any airstrikes since midnight, but accused the Israeli military of violating airspace and artillery shelling in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. According to the agreement shared by the State Department, Israel can act in self-defence against imminent attacks but cannot carry out offensive operations against southern Lebanon.

Trump heralded the deal a “historic day for Lebanon”, even as he expressed confidence that the war with Iran would soon end in a Las Vegas speech.

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House. (AP)

“I will say the war in Iran is going along swimmingly,” Trump said. “It should be ending pretty soon.”

An end to Israel’s war with Hezbollah was a key demand of Iranian negotiators, who previously accused Israel of breaking the current ceasefire deal with strikes on Lebanon. Israel said that deal did not cover Lebanon.

Pakistan’s army chief met on Thursday with Iran’s parliament speaker as part of international efforts to press for an extension of the ceasefire.

While oil prices fell on hopes of a deal, the head of the International Energy Agency warned that energy shocks could get worse if the Strait of Hormuz did not reopen soon. Iran closed the crucial waterway, through which a fifth of the world’s oil normally passes, shortly after the war began. Europe has “maybe six weeks or so” of jet fuel left and broader economic consequences will grow the longer the strait is closed, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Tracer rounds illuminate the night sky as people fire live ammunition and fireworks into the air following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, in Beirut, Lebanon. (AP)

The fighting has killed at least 3000 people in Iran, more than 2100 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen US service members have also been killed.

Israel says it will keep troops in Lebanon

Israel’s hard-line Defence Minister Israel Katz warned on Friday that Israel plans to respect the ceasefire even though attempts to completely disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon are “not yet complete”. Katz said that Israel would continue to hold all the places it is currently stationed, including a buffer zone extending 10 kilometres from the border with Israel into southern Lebanon. He said that many homes in the area would be destroyed and Lebanese residents will not return to the area.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he agreed to the ceasefire “to advance” peace efforts with Lebanon, but also said Israeli troops would not withdraw.

Israeli forces have engaged in fierce battles with Hezbollah in the border area as they pushed into southern Lebanon to create what officials have called a “security zone”.

“That is where we are, and we are not leaving,” he said.

Displaced residents drive back to their villages as locals wave Hezbollah flags and an image of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in Zefta, southern Lebanon. (AP)

Hezbollah has said that Lebanese people have “the right to resist” Israeli occupation of their land and that their actions “will be determined based on how developments unfold”.

The US State Department said that according to the agreement, Israel reserves the right to defend itself “at any time, against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks”. But otherwise, Israel “will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets”.

Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, but a Hezbollah official said the ceasefire was a result of negotiations between the US and Iran. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly.

Displaced people returning to their villages cross the destroyed Qasmiyeh bridge near Tyre city, south Lebanon. (AP)

Israel and Hezbollah have fought several wars and have been fighting on and off since the day after the start of the Gaza war. Israel and Lebanon reached a deal to end that war in November 2024, but Israel has kept up near-daily strikes in what it says is an effort to prevent the Iran-backed militant group from regrouping. That escalated into another invasion after Hezbollah again began firing missiles at Israel in response to its war on Iran.

Flurry of diplomacy led up to Lebanon ceasefire

The agreement came after a meeting between Israel’s and Lebanon’s ambassadors in Washington and a flurry of subsequent phone calls from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a White House official.

They were the first direct diplomatic talks between the two countries in decades. Hezbollah had opposed direct talks between Lebanon and Israel.

Trump spoke Wednesday evening with Netanyahu, who agreed to a ceasefire with certain terms, according to the official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

People wave Hezbollah flags in Zefta, southern Lebanon. (AP)

Rubio then called Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, who got on board. Trump then spoke with Aoun, and again with Netanyahu.

The State Department worked with both governments to formulate a memorandum of understanding for the truce.

Pakistan army chief meets with Iranian parliament speaker

Pakistan’s army chief met Thursday with Iran’s parliament speaker as part of efforts to press for an extension to a ceasefire that has paused almost seven weeks of war between Israel, the US and Iran.

Even as the US blockade on Iranian ports and renewed Iranian threats strained the ceasefire, regional officials reported progress, telling AP the United States and Iran had an “in-principle agreement” to extend it to allow for more diplomacy. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations.

Iranian Jews attend a memorial for the slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other victims at Yousefabad Synagogue, in Tehran, Iran. (AP)

Mediators are pushing for a compromise on three main sticking points: Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damages, according to a regional official involved in the mediation efforts.

Trump suggested the ceasefire could be extended.

“If we’re close to a deal, would I extend?” Trump said in an exchange with reporters. “Yeah, I would do that.”

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Pete Hegseth Sparks Controversy with ‘Pulp Fiction’ Prayer at Pentagon Service – Watch the Viral Video

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Pete Hegseth Sparks Controversy with ‘Pulp Fiction’ Prayer at Pentagon Service – Watch the Viral Video

This week, Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War, found himself at the center of a social media storm after delivering a prayer at a Pentagon worship service. The prayer in question has sparked intrigue and debate due to its uncanny resemblance to a famous scene from the movie “Pulp Fiction.”

The incident took place during a routine prayer service designed to offer spiritual guidance to military personnel. However, the prayer Hegseth chose to recite drew immediate attention for its striking similarity to the words spoken by Samuel L. Jackson’s character in the cult classic film.

Observers quickly took to social media to discuss the peculiar choice of words, with many questioning whether it was intentional or simply a remarkable coincidence. The buzz around the prayer has led to a flurry of online discussions, with opinions varying widely.

Hegseth has not yet commented on the matter, leaving the public to speculate on whether the prayer’s resemblance was a deliberate nod to pop culture or an unintentional slip. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has remained silent, neither confirming nor denying any connection to the film.

As the debate continues, the event has sparked curiosity about the intersections of pop culture and official government proceedings. It remains to be seen whether this will prompt any official response or policy changes regarding the content shared in such services.

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Chef Mashama Bailey Honored as One of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” for 2026

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Chef Mashama Bailey Honored as One of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” for 2026

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Time Magazine has unveiled its 2026 list of the 100 most influential individuals, and among the esteemed names is Savannah’s celebrated Chef Mashama Bailey.

Originally from New York, Bailey moved to Waynesboro, Georgia, at the tender age of two, before settling in Savannah when she was five. Her journey took her back to New York at 11, where she completed her high school education and pursued culinary training.

While honing her skills as a chef in New York, Bailey received an intriguing proposal to open a restaurant in Savannah. The site was a defunct Greyhound bus station that an investor had recently acquired. Thus, The Grey was born, opening its doors in December 2014.

(Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for American Express)

The Grey quickly garnered acclaim, earning a nomination for the James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant in 2015. Further expanding her culinary footprint, Bailey launched The Grey Market in Savannah in October 2018.

Chef Bailey’s talent has been recognized with two James Beard Awards, which she won in 2019 and 2022, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the culinary world.

Bailey has served as a chairwoman on the Edna Lewis Foundation since 2017. The foundation works to “revive, preserve, and celebrate the rich history of African-American cookery by cultivating a deeper understanding of Southern food and culture in America.”

To see Mashama’s piece as well as the full Time Magazine Top 100 list, click here.

Spirit Airlines Faces Uncertain Future with Bankruptcy and Fuel Price Surge

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Spirit Airlines Faces Uncertain Future with Bankruptcy and Fuel Price Surge

In a dramatic turn of events, Spirit Airlines appears to be approaching the brink of closure. The airline, which has been grappling with financial instability, now faces the added burden of surging fuel prices, a situation exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Bloomberg has revealed that Spirit Airlines could face liquidation imminently, possibly as soon as this week. The uptick in fuel costs, largely attributed to the turmoil in Iran, has heavily impacted the airline’s recovery efforts following its bankruptcy.

Recognized as the leading ultra-low-cost carrier in the United States, Spirit Airlines is famous for its distinctive yellow aircraft and minimalist service offerings. It has been a familiar sight at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal A, a terminal steeped in history despite its modest size.

Headquartered in Florida, Spirit is navigating its second bankruptcy process. In an attempt to stabilize, the airline announced a plan to revamp its operations. This includes updating its aircraft fleet, introducing premium ticket options, and strengthening its presence on profitable routes such as those connecting Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and major airports like LaGuardia and Newark.

According to travel industry expert Zach Griff, known for his insights in the “From the Tray Table” newsletter, the potential cessation of Spirit’s services would likely lead to a significant increase in airfare across the industry, affecting travelers nationwide.

“Fuel costs could be the dagger to Spirit, right? I would be incredibly sad to see the loss of Spirit, and not even because I like to fly Spirit and, you know, it has- they’ve rebranded. It’s much better. But Spirit’s existence keeps every other airline in check,” Griff said.

Typically, when airlines liquidate, they immediately cease operations, which is unsettling news to those who may have upcoming flights booked.

Griff says there are ways to protect yourself.

“The credit card companies will end up being the ones who foot the bill or kind of help you out with getting that refund if Spirit were to liquidate, you know, through chargebacks and things like that,” Griff said.

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Bride’s Big Day Interrupted by Unexpected Paint Incident with Sister-in-Law

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Bride’s Big Day Interrupted by Unexpected Paint Incident with Sister-in-Law

A bride’s dreams were shattered when her sister-in-law splattered black paint on her wedding gown just moments before the ceremony. The incident left the bride, Gemma Monk, 35, in tears, as she rushed to change into a different dress after the shocking episode on May 24, 2024.

Antonia Eastwood, motivated by revenge, carried out the attack due to a lingering grudge. Mrs. Monk had previously accused Eastwood of attempting to sabotage her own wedding to Gemma’s brother, Ashley, back in September of the previous year.

The devastating scene unfolded at Oakwood House, a Victorian mansion in Maidstone, leaving the bride from Herne Bay, Kent, heartbroken while Eastwood swiftly left the venue.

Despite the setback, Gemma was able to walk down the aisle two hours later, marrying her long-time love, Ken Monk, whom she had been with for 20 years, in a gown hastily chosen after her original £1,800 dress was ruined.

She walked down the aisle to marry Ken Monk, her childhood sweetheart of 20 years, two hours after her £1,800 dress was drenched in black paint.

At the time, she had just had a cancer scare, which Mrs Monk said Eastwood knew about but ‘still decided to ruin the most important day of my life’. 

The mother-of-two, who is a mental health worker, scrubbed herself clean as the paint covered most of the left side of her face, arm and chest. She borrowed another dress, fetched by an usher. 

Eastwood launched the cruel attack after an ongoing family feud, which flared up after her own ceremony the previous year. 

Gemma Monk, 35, was left in tears after her sister-in-law drenched her wedding dress in black paint in a 'revenge' attack

Gemma Monk, 35, was left in tears after her sister-in-law drenched her wedding dress in black paint in a ‘revenge’ attack 

Antonia Eastwood pleaded guilty to criminal damage after ruining the £1,800 gown before the ceremony

The relationship between the two couples had soured since the wedding between Eastwood and Mrs Monk’s brother, Ashley, when the victim was accused of trying to trip her up. 

Mrs Monk told KentOnline: ‘We had waited for that day for so long. Nothing was going to stop me. She was determined that the wedding was not going to happen.

‘I did not think twice, I would have walked down the aisle in my knickers and with black paint over my face if I had to.’

Eastwood was handed a ten-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, in addition to 160 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to two offences of criminal damage. 

Since her wedding, Mrs Monk has suffered depression and is unable to work. 

In a victim impact statement, the 35-year-old told Maidstone Crown Court the incident ‘changed my outlook on life and made me question whether I had done something really bad’. 

She said it has had a ‘dramatic impact’ on her life, adding that she became ‘extremely emotional and started crying’ while providing a police statement following the attack.

Mrs Monk said she would have struggled to ‘get out of bed’ without the support of her husband and children – and that she has lost her dignity. 

At the time of her wedding Mrs Monk had just had a cancer scare, which she said Eastwood knew about but 'still decided to ruin the most important day of my life'

At the time of her wedding Mrs Monk had just had a cancer scare, which she said Eastwood knew about but ‘still decided to ruin the most important day of my life’

Mrs Monk had to borrow another dress to walk down the aisle in, which was fetched by an usher. She married her childhood sweetheart Ken two hours after the attack

Mrs Monk had to borrow another dress to walk down the aisle in, which was fetched by an usher. She married her childhood sweetheart Ken two hours after the attack 

The victim added that the incident ‘turned the most special day of my life into the worst memory I will never forget’. 

The couple cancelled their honeymoon to the Maldives as a result. 

Prosecutor Pietro Matarazzo told the court on Tuesday: ‘Her wedding dress turned black. It was splattered with paint, as were her eyes, face, and skin.’

Eastwood admitted it was a revenge attack to the author of a pre-sentence report and pleaded guilty despite answering ‘no comment’ to all questions put to her by police during a voluntary interview three months after the incident. 

Defending, Clement Idowu said Eastwood ‘wished to apologise’ to Mrs Monk. 

He told the court of her depression, adding that the case had ‘taken a toll’ on her mental health – however no details about why she launched the revenge attack were revealed. 

He said Eastwood was ‘fearful’ of a custodial prison sentence. 

Judge Oliver Saxby KC said the defendant had turned Mrs Monk’s wedding into a ‘nightmare’, adding that Eastwood ‘wanted to wreck her day’. 

Newly weds Mr and Mrs Monk are pictured after the ceremony despite the cruel attack two hours before

Newly weds Mr and Mrs Monk are pictured after the ceremony despite the cruel attack two hours before  

Eastwood's attack on her sister-in-law's dress was said to be in revenge after she was tripped up on her wedding day a year before - and blamed it on Mrs Monk

Eastwood’s attack on her sister-in-law’s dress was said to be in revenge after she was tripped up on her wedding day a year before – and blamed it on Mrs Monk 

He described Eastwood’s actions as ‘horrid and nasty and mean’.   

In addition to a suspended sentence and unpaid work, the defendant was handed a 10-year restraining order. 

She was told to pay £5,000 in compensation, split between £4,000 to Mrs Monk and £1,000 to Oakwood House. 

After sentencing Mrs Monk said she will never accept her sister-in-law’s apology, adding that she believed the punishment was ‘too light’. 

The victim told KentOnline she and her husband do not celebrate their anniversary after what happened but that they plan to renew their vows on the same date to create new memories.

Blake Lively Considers Leaving U.S. Amidst Hollywood’s Distance from Justin Baldoni Drama: Report

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Blake Lively Considers Leaving U.S. Amidst Hollywood’s Distance from Justin Baldoni Drama: Report


Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are reportedly considering relocating to the United Kingdom, as per recent reports.

Sources informed the Daily Mail on Thursday that the couple have been contemplating a move overseas amid Lively’s ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni.

An insider revealed, “Ryan’s significant achievements with Wrexham, his Welsh soccer team, have fostered a strong connection to the UK,” adding that Lively, 38, might explore new opportunities there.

The former “Gossip Girl” star is thought to be optimistic about working with top-tier filmmakers in the UK who could provide her with a fresh start.

According to the publication, many in the industry are currently avoiding Lively due to her public dispute with her “It Ends With Us” co-star.

Baldoni, 42, and Lively, notably, are set to go to trial next month.

“Blake isn’t getting the offers,” a second source alleged. “There hasn’t been anywhere near the same interest in her since the Baldoni drama exploded. She’s burned bridges.”

While a move to Wales has been a topic of conversation — or even “splitting their time more between there and the US” — Lively and Reynolds wish to prioritize their four children.

“What’s making them take a long, hard look at their immediate future is that their kids’ schooling and friends are in the States,” the outlet claimed, dubbing the “Shallows” star a “truly amazing mother.”

She and Reynolds, 49, are the parents of daughters James, Inez and Betty, as well as son Olin.

The “Green Lantern” co-stars are “tired” and “not as playful” as before, according to the Daily Mail, with one insider saying, “[They’re not] being very social these days. … They’re just preoccupied.”

Reps for Lively and Reynolds did not immediately respond to Page Six’s requests for comment.

The latter made headlines for suing Baldoni in December 2024, four months after “It Ends With Us” hit theaters.

A judge threw out her sexual harassment, defamation and conspiracy claims earlier this month due to the court determining Lively was an independent contractor, not an employee.

However, Lively’s claims of breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting in retaliation are moving forward.

Lively has a “challenging path” ahead in Hollywood as the drama plays out, brand specialist Kayley Cornelius told Page Six on April 3.

“There is a real risk she could … struggle to secure major roles or brand deals going forward,” the PR maven explained. “With the impact of cancel culture and increased scrutiny, there is less appetite to take risks on talent who may be seen as controversial or commercially uncertain.”

Cornelius declared a “legacy name” like Lively is “no longer untouchable” in the wake of the scandal.

Strait of Hormuz Reopens: Trump and Iranian FM Confirm Smooth Sailing Ahead

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Strait of Hormuz Reopens: Trump and Iranian FM Confirm Smooth Sailing Ahead


BEIRUT (AP) — On Friday, President Donald Trump and Iran’s foreign minister announced that commercial vessels can now freely navigate the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon that appears to be holding.

This temporary halt in hostilities between Israel and the Hezbollah militant faction offers a momentary respite and could potentially pave the way for negotiations between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Such talks aim to conclude the prolonged and destructive conflict. However, uncertainties linger regarding Hezbollah’s acceptance of a deal it did not help craft, especially as it leaves Israeli forces occupying parts of southern Lebanon.

Trump took to social media to relay that Iran has confirmed the strait’s “complete openness” for safe passage.

Similarly, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on platform X that the strait is “fully open” for all commercial traffic, aligning with the Lebanese ceasefire terms. He assured that this status would persist throughout the ceasefire duration.

Despite this development, the status of the U.S. blockade remains uncertain. Trump clarified that the blockade would “remain firmly in place” until a comprehensive agreement is reached with Iran to conclude the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile in Beirut, barrages of gunshots rang out across the city as residents fired into the air just after midnight to celebrate the beginning of the truce, and displaced families began moving toward southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs despite warnings by officials not to attempt to return to their homes until it became clear whether the ceasefire would hold.

A spokesperson for the U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon said Friday that they have not observed any airstrikes since midnight, but accused the Israeli military of violating airspace and artillery shelling in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military did not immediately comment. According to the agreement shared by the State Department, Israel can act in self-defense against imminent attacks but cannot carry out offensive operations against southern Lebanon.

Trump heralded the deal a “historic day for Lebanon,” even as he expressed confidence that the war with Iran would soon end in a Las Vegas speech.

“I will say the war in Iran is going along swimmingly,” Trump said. “It should be ending pretty soon.”

An end to Israel’s war with Hezbollah was a key demand of Iranian negotiators, who previously accused Israel of breaking the current ceasefire deal with strikes on Lebanon. Israel said that deal did not cover Lebanon.

Pakistan’s army chief met Thursday with Iran’s parliament speaker as part of international efforts to press for an extension of the ceasefire.

While oil prices fell on hopes of a deal, the head of the International Energy Agency warned that energy shocks could get worse if the Strait of Hormuz did not reopen soon. Iran closed the crucial waterway, through which a fifth of the world’s oil normally passes, shortly after the war began. Europe has “maybe six weeks or so” of jet fuel left and broader economic consequences will grow the longer the strait is closed, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,100 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen U.S. service members have also been killed.

Israel says it will keep troops in Lebanon

Israel’s hard-line Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Friday that Israel plans to respect the ceasefire even though attempts to completely disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon are “not yet complete.” Katz said that Israel would continue to hold all the places it is currently stationed, including a buffer zone extending 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border with Israel into southern Lebanon. He said that many homes in the area would be destroyed and Lebanese residents will not return to the area.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he agreed to the ceasefire “to advance” peace efforts with Lebanon, but also said Israeli troops would not withdraw.

Israeli forces have engaged in fierce battles with Hezbollah in the border area as they pushed into southern Lebanon to create what officials have called a “security zone.”

“That is where we are, and we are not leaving,” he said.

Hezbollah has said that Lebanese people have “the right to resist” Israeli occupation of their land and that their actions “will be determined based on how developments unfold.”

The U.S. State Department said that according to the agreement, Israel reserves the right to defend itself “at any time, against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks.” But otherwise, Israel “will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets.”

Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, but a Hezbollah official said the ceasefire was a result of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

Israel and Hezbollah have fought several wars and have been fighting on and off since the day after the start of the Gaza war. Israel and Lebanon reached a deal to end that war in November 2024, but Israel has kept up near-daily strikes in what it says is an effort to prevent the Iran-backed militant group from regrouping. That escalated into another invasion after Hezbollah again began firing missiles at Israel in response to its war on Iran.

Flurry of diplomacy led up to Lebanon ceasefire

The agreement came after a meeting between Israel’s and Lebanon’s ambassadors in Washington and a flurry of subsequent phone calls from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to a White House official.

They were the first direct diplomatic talks between the two countries in decades. Hezbollah had opposed direct talks between Lebanon and Israel.

Trump spoke Wednesday evening with Netanyahu, who agreed to a ceasefire with certain terms, according to the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Rubio then called Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, who got on board. Trump then spoke with Aoun, and again with Netanyahu.

The State Department worked with both governments to formulate a memorandum of understanding for the truce.

Pakistan army chief meets with Iranian parliament speaker

Pakistan’s army chief met Thursday with Iran’s parliament speaker as part of efforts to press for an extension to a ceasefire that has paused almost seven weeks of war between Israel, the U.S. and Iran.

Even as the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and renewed Iranian threats strained the ceasefire, regional officials reported progress, telling AP the United States and Iran had an “in-principle agreement” to extend it to allow for more diplomacy. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations.

Mediators are pushing for a compromise on three main sticking points: Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damages, according to a regional official involved in the mediation efforts.

Trump suggested the ceasefire could be extended.

“If we’re close to a deal, would I extend?” Trump said in an exchange with reporters. “Yeah, I would do that.”

Jesse McCartney Reveals How a Tiger Beat Poster and Instagram DM Paved the Way for His Guest Role in ‘Hacks’ Season 5

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How did the creators of Hacks manage to get Jesse McCartney to perform his iconic hit “Beautiful Soul” in the latest episode? It’s an interesting tale worth sharing.

In the second episode titled “Number One Fan,” the musician makes a special appearance as himself during a 30th birthday celebration for Ava, played by Hannah Einbinder. Deborah Vance, portrayed by Jean Smart, throws Ava this nostalgic party, and McCartney surprises everyone by performing his famous song for his “Number One Fan.” This delightful cameo all began when McCartney decided to binge-watch the first season of the HBO Max comedy.

“We binged the first season, and then somebody had to tell me, like, ‘You need to go back and watch, there’s an episode that your poster is in Ava’s bedroom wall,’” McCartney revealed during an interview with DECIDER about his cameo. Upon verifying that his poster from a Tiger Beat magazine indeed adorned Ava’s wall, McCartney reached out to Hannah Einbinder via Instagram to uncover how it ended up there. Einbinder shared that when producers inquired about who should be featured on Ava’s wall, she immediately chose McCartney.

“So, I told her, ‘If there’s ever an opportunity for us to collaborate, let me know. I think you’re incredibly talented,’” McCartney recounted, noting that this Instagram exchange set the stage for his appearance. “Fast forward five years, and the producers contacted me saying, ‘We’re planning a birthday scene for Ava with a nostalgic twist,’ and here I am. It’s such a full-circle moment for both of us.”

Jesse McCartney in 'Hacks' Season 5, Episode 2
Photo: HBO Max

For more insights into McCartney’s guest role and his experience with the Hacks team, read DECIDER’s complete interview with the artist.

DECIDER: Let’s start at the beginning. How much did you know about this show before getting this call?

JESSE MCCARTNEY: It’s a really good story, actually. I watched Season 1 with my wife — it was just on my queue of things you might like — we’re big fans of comedy, and I had heard of Hannah, but I’d never seen her work. We binged the first season, and then somebody had to tell me, like, ‘You need to go back and watch, there’s an episode that your poster is in Ava’s bedroom wall, on Ava’s bedroom wall.’ So I went back and looked and there I am. This is like a Tiger Beat photo of me at 16 on Ava’s wall. I had to reach out to her — and I didn’t know her — so I DM’d her on Instagram and I was like, ‘Hannah, first of all, huge fan. Love the show. You’re hilarious. Also, is that me on your bedroom wall?’ And lik, ‘How did that happen?’ Apparently, she told the producers that if there was anybody on Ava’s bedroom wall, it would have been me. And she was just super gracious and said, like, ‘I grew up a huge fan.’ Anyway, I told her, ‘Listen, if there’s anything we could work on together, let me know. I think you’re super talented.’ And then here we are five years later and the producers reached out and said, ‘We’re doing this bit where Ava has a birthday party and Deborah’s throwing her sort of this like nostalgia throwback party from her youth,’ and so here I am. It was such a full circle moment, I think, for both of us. And as you can tell by Hannah’s reaction during the ‘Beautiful Soul’ performance, I think there was a little bit of acting, but I think some of that was actually genuine.

What was your reaction to getting that message from the producers?

I was excited and thrilled. Obviously, it’s a huge hit show. First of all, the pedigree of talent on that show is unmatched. I think they’re the funniest people right now on TV. And as somebody who’s a big fan of comedy and loves to write jokes and perform as well, I thought it’d be super fun. I jumped at the opportunity and there was like this three-day window, I was in the middle of touring, like between my tour and the Jonas Brothers tour, and so I flew into LA, I shot for a few hours, and then head went back out on the road. But I was so happy that it worked out because big fan of the show.

A big fan of comedy? Are you manifesting appearances on any other shows and what do you consider to be the comedies that raised you?

Oh man, there are so many good shows. There was actually a great comedy on HBO — to keep it in the family — I think it only did two seasons and I was so bummed about it. I’m blanking on the name, but it was with Mark Duplass [the show McCartney is referring to is Togetherness]. It’s sort of a dark comedy, but I thought it was just brilliant, such genius writing, and it had a serious tone, but underneath, the jokes were just incredible. Free Bert is like that new show about his [Bert Kreischer’s] life, and I think there’s actually a lot of like heavy stuff on that show for him. I just have never seen him in that light before. So I love the 30-minute comedies that are grounded and have some weight to them, but there’s just a ton of jokes sprinkled in. Growing up, I mean, I was a huge fan of SNL and In Living Color. I grew up watching and studying Jim Carrey and all of the physical comedy that he did. I’m a huge fan of the genre, and I would love to, at some point, be back on television making a comedy of my own. It’s a dream, for sure.

On the Hacks front, I talked with Jean and Hannah together, and Jean said she’s never seen Hannah so happy as to when you came on to the set. Did you get to talk with Jean at all, too?

We briefly chatted on set. She was pretty busy that day and then we had a chance to to say hi at the premiere. She just was so, so nice. And I think she was just so excited [for Hannah]. To be honest, I don’t think she really knew who I was until Hannah had to sort of give her the debrief, but she was super kind and so nice. She obviously is one of the greatest actors of this generation. It was an honor meeting her.

I mean, knowing that it is the final season, how does it feel to be immortalized in this Emmy-winning comedy, even if it’s a small part?

It’s a huge honor, obviously, that group is so talented, a high pedigree of talent. I wish I could have been a bigger part of it after performing there. It was just so much fun. And you can tell that cast, they’re just family, you know? Hopefully, it opens the door to working with some of those people again.

I asked about your reaction, but I know you said you and your wife watched together. What did your wife say about all of this?

She loved it. I think it was probably her idea to DM Hannah. She was like, ‘You know, you should reach out, that’s not just by accident, that had to have been some sort of connection. She had to have had something to do with that.’ And she was right… I’m glad that I did, because I think that’s what sort of stirred all of this up. My wife is pretty good about handling all of this, she’s definitely seen it all. She keeps me balanced, she keeps me grounded, she keeps me humble. She’s also sort of my biggest cheerleader and my biggest, you know, supporter, and couldn’t do it without her, that’s for sure.

The first two episodes of Hacks Season 5 are now streaming on HBO Max.

If you’re new to HBO Max, you can sign up for as low as $10.99/month with ads, but an ad-free subscription will cost $18.49/month.

If you want to stream even more and save a few bucks a month while you’re at it, we recommend subscribing to one of the discounted Disney+ Bundles with Hulu and HBO Max. With ads, the bundle costs $19.99/month and without ads, $32.99/month.

85-Year-Old Widow Detained by ICE Finally Returns to France, Confirms Foreign Minister

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85-Year-Old Widow Detained by ICE Finally Returns to France, Confirms Foreign Minister


PARIS (AP) — France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, announced the safe return of Marie-Thérèse Ross, an 85-year-old widow of an American veteran, to France on Friday after being in U.S. immigration custody.

Ross was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Alabama on April 1, following the expiration of her 90-day visa, as reported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“We are pleased to confirm her return to France this morning,” Barrot stated to journalists while in Montpellier on Friday.

While declining to discuss the case in detail, Barrot expressed disapproval of certain ICE practices, stating they don’t align with French norms and are “unacceptable.” He hinted at concerns over “violence” but did not provide further details.

During her detention, Ross was held at a federal immigration facility located in Louisiana.

She was among the thousands of people targeted by the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda that has detained the spouses of U.S. soldiers and military veterans who previously received greater leniency under scrapped policies.

Ross married Alabama resident William Ross in April last year, Calhoun County marriage records show. Ross died in January, according to an obituary from his family, which says he was a former captain in the U.S. Army.

Tragic Double Drowning Highlights Lifeguard Shortage Crisis at Popular Beach Destination

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Tragic Double Drowning Highlights Lifeguard Shortage Crisis at Popular Beach Destination

For many years, the lifeguard stands along Florida’s Space Coast have been iconic markers of safety for tourists and locals alike. However, this season presents a stark contrast, with numerous stands left unattended as Brevard County is urgently seeking to fill 45 essential positions. This shortage has already had devastating consequences, with two individuals tragically losing their lives while attempting to save a child caught in a dangerous rip current.

“We’re working with the resources available to us,” stated Brevard County Ocean Rescue Chief Eisen Witcher. “We assess risks as thoroughly as possible. While we strive to be there when needed, it’s simply not feasible to cover every moment.”

This past Wednesday, emergency services were summoned to Cocoa Beach, a popular destination, following reports of four individuals in distress in the water. Among them were a 42-year-old man from Connecticut and a 34-year-old woman from Ohio. Despite being rushed to the hospital, both succumbed to their injuries.

Beachgoers sitting and standing on Cocoa Beach with umbrellas

The adults, whose identities have not been disclosed, entered the water in an attempt to rescue a child. While the relationship between the adults and the child was initially unclear, it was later reported by Florida Today that the woman was the child’s stepmother, and the man was a bystander who tried to help. Thankfully, the child survived the incident.

The tragic events highlight the urgent need for more lifeguards, as the absence of sufficient personnel can have dire consequences. As the county continues to address the shortage, the community remains on edge, hoping to prevent further tragedies.

Witcher said that the area where the rip current claimed the lives of two adults was not being guarded with lifeguards.

He said that they’ve been experiencing high surf, with waves from 6-8 feet tall.

“Conditions are starting to subside, making the ocean a lot more calm or appearing to look more calm. But those surf conditions have caused significant damage to the sandbars causing flash rip currents,” Witcher said.

Aerial view of beachgoers near the pier at Cocoa Beach Florida

An aerial view of beachgoers near the pier on July 29, 2023, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. (Paul Hennesy/Anadolu Agency)

According to the National Weather Center, the Florida coast – from south of Palm Coast to Miami – is identified as a high risk for rip currents. 

“It’s very fast, it’s very unexpected, and you can lose your footing very quickly. We watch, we try to prevent that as much as we possibly can in our life-guarded areas. Outside of a life-guarded area, it’s very difficult for people from out of town or tourists to know or understand or what to do,” Witcher said.

Lifeguard standing watch on a beach in Los Angeles

Two people died in rip currents in Brevard County, Florida. (Getty Images)

The chief said that the nearest lifeguard was 3/4 of a mile away at the time of the emergency.

“Right now, we are actively recruiting for more lifeguards. We have been for the better part of two or three months now,” Witcher said, explaining that they have a tryout this weekend. “We’d like to see at least 45 more [lifeguards].

In situations where there is no nearby lifeguard, calling 911 is your best bet, he said. 

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