Home Blog Page 1274

Alicia Carmody Celebrates Liz McGraw’s Thriving Journey Beyond ‘RHORI

0

Liz McGraw has found true happiness since stepping away from “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”

In an exclusive chat with Page Six’s podcast “Virtual Reali-Tea,” Alicia Carmody, a close friend and former co-star, shared insights about McGraw’s unexpected decision to leave the show after just one season. Known affectionately as the Cannabis Queen, McGraw’s departure caught many by surprise.

“I’m truly delighted for her; I’ve heard she’s doing incredibly well,” Carmody, 41, revealed as she discussed her new collaboration with Ziploc’s Lunch Confessions campaign. “It takes a lot to showcase your personal life on such a platform, and I’m sure she faced some online criticism.”

Carmody echoed the views of executive producer Andy Cohen, emphasizing that the option for McGraw to return remains open if she ever decides to rejoin the drama.

For now, Carmody, who is in the throes of filming Season 2 of “RHORI,” expressed that she is respecting McGraw’s need for space and allowing her the peace to thrive.

“I love her from afar. I always will love Liz,” she said.

“We started this [show] together,” she added. “I definitely miss her for certain things, but she had to do what she had to do.”

McGraw announced her exit from “RHORI” last month. She said she was taking “a step back” from the show to focus on her “family,” her “work” and her “passions.”

“The ‘RHORI’ cast is an amazing group of women who have created something special,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “I’ll be watching next season, rooting for the continued success of this franchise.”

While McGraw didn’t specify exactly why she decided to leave the show, “Real Housewives of Orange County” star Tamra Judge told Page Six that she was “really struggling with the hate on social media.”

Part of that backlash came from McGraw’s clash with Carmody during the debut season of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.”

As fans saw on the show, McGraw repeatedly challenged Carmody’s claim that she was homeless as a child. Carmody alleged that she and her mother were homeless after her father left them. Meanwhile, McGraw insisted that, because Carmody was able to move into her grandmother’s house, she was never actually without a home.

While McGraw has known Carmody since she was born, the latter told us that they were not as close as the show made it seem.

“No, I wouldn’t go that far,” Carmody said, when we suggested they were “like sisters.”

According to Carmody, she actually grew up “best friends” with McGraw’s niece since McGraw’s sister and Carmody’s mom were extremely close.

“I feel like that wasn’t talked about enough,” Carmody said.

“Me and Liz weren’t besties but we have [had] a connection since I was born, a little girl. I looked up to her.”

“The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” Season 1 is currently streaming on Peacock.

Exploring Fulham’s Future: Arbeloa’s Reign & Young Star Signings

0

This summer at Fulham marked a period of unexpected change after five years of relative stability, a transformation that Tony Khan hadn’t fully anticipated while the club was finalizing a new contract with Marco Silva.

Confident that everything was in place to announce Silva’s contract extension, Fulham was caught off guard when Benfica made an enticing offer, successfully drawing him back to Portugal.

Tony Khan has spent a decade in his role, during which he’s learned to brace for unforeseen twists. As the 43-year-old son of Fulham’s owner Shahid Khan, he has confronted and moved past criticism of nepotism to become a seasoned vice-chairman and the director of football operations. He acknowledges having developed resilience alongside a deeper expertise in English football and in securing talent for the team.

At the helm of Fulham’s football ventures, Khan collaborates closely with chief executive Alistair Mackintosh and the head coach—a spot recently filled by Alvaro Arbeloa, following Silva’s tenure of five years.

‘After years of achieving consistent results together, we really hoped Marco would remain with us,’ Khan explained in an interview with Daily Mail Sport. ‘Our discussions were extremely positive. There’s a strong camaraderie between Marco, myself, and my father, underscoring a solid friendship among us.’

Tony Khan (left), the 43-year-old son of Fulham's billionaire owner Shahid (right) has weathered nepotism jibes and matured into the role of vice-chairman and director of football operations

Tony Khan (left), the 43-year-old son of Fulham’s billionaire owner Shahid (right) has weathered nepotism jibes and matured into the role of vice-chairman and director of football operations

His latest move was getting former Real Madrid interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa (centre) to come to west London

His latest move was getting former Real Madrid interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa (centre) to come to west London

‘I had started planning for the next season and was building scouting bulletins and organising our plans. Marco came in and fully negotiated the contract. We all expected him to sign it and then were taken aback when that wasn’t what happened.

‘But I completely understand the decision he made to go home and work at a club of that magnitude, with the opportunity to live in his own house with his family every night. Those things made a lot of sense.’

Benfica moved for out-of-contract Silva after Jose Mourinho left them for a second spell at Real Madrid, two deals oiled by Jorge Mendes, who is the agent of both managers.

Fulham closed the Lisbon-Madrid-London triangle by appointing former Liverpool, Real, West Ham and Spain right back Arbeloa, who ended last season in interim charge of Real following Xabi Alonso’s sacking, after his coaching impressed in the academy and with the reserves.

‘I’m very grateful to Marco,’ says Khan. ‘I consider him an important friend and a very important person in the history of the club. I know Alvaro really respects the job Marco did, the core we all built and Marco led, coached and strengthened.

‘That’s part of what made this an attractive opportunity for Alvaro. It is a very important summer for Fulham. It’s a challenge when somebody moves on after that length of time and you move to the next step for the club. But Alvaro joins us at a perfect time. It’s a very exciting time.’

Silva was the only candidate interviewed five years ago, when he replaced Scott Parker after relegation to the Championship. He was identified as a perfect fit and proved to be a terrific success. Khan says: ‘My father has been at the Jacksonville Jaguars for 15 years and now over 13 years at Fulham, and Marco has had the longest tenure of any coach at either club.’

Silva led Fulham to promotion in his first season, then established the club in the Premier League by finishing 10th, 13th, 11th and 11th. They reached a League Cup semi-final in 2024 and two FA Cup quarter-finals during his tenure.

Marco Silva led Fulham to promotion in his first season, then established the club in the Premier League by finishing 10th, 13th, 11th and 11th

Marco Silva led Fulham to promotion in his first season, then established the club in the Premier League by finishing 10th, 13th, 11th and 11th

Arbeloa ended last season in interim charge of Real following Xabi Alonso's sacking, after his coaching impressed in the academy and with the reserves

Arbeloa ended last season in interim charge of Real following Xabi Alonso’s sacking, after his coaching impressed in the academy and with the reserves

This summer they considered and spoke to several candidates before settling on 43-year-old Arbeloa, undeterred by his limited experience coaching on the front line.

‘Everybody agreed Alvaro was the most exciting, fresh, dynamic and intelligent person we connected with,’ says Khan. ‘And the person we thought would connect with our players and give Fulham the best opportunity going forward. That’s why we hired him.

‘He worked with Real Madrid’s first team and their young players and has a lot of football experience.’

Arbeloa spent two years at Liverpool and a year at West Ham in a playing career decorated by two Champions League wins at Real Madrid, as well as a World Cup and two Euros wins with Spain.

‘He was a great player,’ says Khan. ‘He knows the Premier League, and his experiences are different to the experiences we have here. Alvaro brings a fresh perspective with his energy, ideas and connections. He is hard working, driven for success. There’s a very bright future with him here for all of us.’

Arbeloa’s connections have already secured the services of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, talented youngsters from Real Madrid for a combined fee of £42.5million.

The bulk of that is for Garcia, a 22-year-old forward who made 30 La Liga appearances for Real last season and won his first Spain cap in June. Palacios is a 21-year-old attacking midfielder whom Arbeloa describes as ‘a magician’ that will get Fulham fans out of their seats.

How quickly they settle will determine how far they go towards replacing Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson, Fulham’s two top scorers in the Premier League last season who both left this summer at the end of their contracts.

Arbeloa (pictured playing against Fulham in 2008) made 98 appearances for Liverpool in a two-and-a-half-year spell

Arbeloa (pictured playing against Fulham in 2008) made 98 appearances for Liverpool in a two-and-a-half-year spell

Gonzalo Garcia has arrived with Arbeloa from Real, having scored 13 times in 51 senior games for the club he joined as a 10-year-old

Gonzalo Garcia has arrived with Arbeloa from Real, having scored 13 times in 51 senior games for the club he joined as a 10-year-old

And so has Cesar Palacios, a midfielder who played seven times for Madrid and has represented Spain at Under-20 level

And so has Cesar Palacios, a midfielder who played seven times for Madrid and has represented Spain at Under-20 level

Jimenez, who scored nine, has returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wilson, who scored ten (and enough screamers for his own Goal of the Season competition), left for Leeds after rejecting a new contract.

‘Leeds were very interested in Harry Wilson late in the window last summer,’ says Khan. ‘It was such a large amount of money that it was something we had to look at and talk about, but the club made a very important decision keeping him at Fulham.

‘He scored some very important goals in key situations and has been a strong player through five excellent years. I was hoping he would stay. Leeds got a fantastic player. He’s been very well compensated, which he deserves, and I wish Harry the absolute best in everything he does unless it’s against Fulham.’

Khan took control of Fulham’s transfers in the summer of 2016 after finishing 20th in the Championship, the club’s lowest finish since promotion to the second tier under Kevin Keegan in 1999.

‘I saw the danger of the road the club were on,’ he says. ‘I thought it needed a complete upheaval. I approached my dad and said I really think I should take over the transfers and loans.

‘I was 33 years old and believed the team could do much better. A few years ago, I never would’ve thought I’d be here saying this. In 2013 [when Khan paid £150million to buy the club from Mohamed Al Fayed] I never would’ve thought I’d say it.

‘We kept the key players and brought in a completely new squad. The vast majority were new players. That team finished sixth and lost in the play-offs and the next year we got promoted after some important moves in the next couple of windows including Aleksandar Mitrovic on loan from Newcastle.’

Mitrovic – signed for £27million after a successful loan and sold for £50million to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023 after scoring 111 goals in five-and-a-half years at Fulham – must rank among the best deals of Khan’s time in office. His favourite though might be the return of Ryan Sessegnon, five years after a £25million move to Tottenham which brought the popular young left back nothing but bad luck with injuries.

Fulham's top two goalscorers last season, Raul Jimenez (left) and Harry Wilson (right), both left the club this summer when their contracts ended

Fulham’s top two goalscorers last season, Raul Jimenez (left) and Harry Wilson (right), both left the club this summer when their contracts ended  

Aleksandar Mitrovic (right) - signed for £27m and sold for £50m to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023 after scoring 111 goals - must rank among the best deals of Khan's time in office

Aleksandar Mitrovic (right) – signed for £27m and sold for £50m to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023 after scoring 111 goals – must rank among the best deals of Khan’s time in office

‘When I first started working in the office, Ryan was a talented player coming through the academy and starting to train with the first team,’ recalls Khan. ‘I rode five hours in the car to see his first league match [at the age of 16] against Leeds.

‘Incredibly, that was 10 years ago this month. To have him back and part of the team now is special, and he’s still a young guy with a great career in front of him at Fulham.’

Despite losing Jimenez, Wilson and Issa Diop, sold to Ipswich for £8.5million, Fulham maintain the bones of a strong, settled and experienced team, which Khan expects to be boosted by the progress of talented youngsters.

Not only Garcia and Palacios, and wingers Oscar Bobb and Kevin, both 23, but also Jonah Kusi-Asare, 19, a Swedish striker signed for £5million after a year on loan from Bayern Munich and Josh King, also 19, who emerged last season from the club’s prolific academy.

Fulham remain active in the transfer market. There has been genuine interest in 19-year-old Thiago Pitarch, another of Real Madrid’s prized young players, whom Arbeloa coached in the youth teams and then gave him his senior debut in February against, you guessed it, Benfica. Signing Pitarch would be an audacious coup for Arbeloa although it appears unlikely.

They are close to completing the £30million signing of Southampton’s Northern Ireland international midfielder Shea Charles, who came through Manchester City’s academy and scored the late goal that knocked Arsenal out of last season’s FA Cup.

‘I’m very happy with what the club has achieved in recent years,’ says Khan. ‘Four years ago, everyone would have considered this to be very successful.

‘Now it’s a time to try new things but to keep many of these players who’ve been important in the run of success and stability at Fulham.

Thiago Pitarch (right) who was given his senior Real debut by Arbeloa, is another young talent on Fulham's radar this summer

Thiago Pitarch (right) who was given his senior Real debut by Arbeloa, is another young talent on Fulham’s radar this summer

They are close to completing a £30million deal for Southampton's Shea Charles (centre), who knocked Arsenal out of last season's FA Cup

They are close to completing a £30million deal for Southampton’s Shea Charles (centre), who knocked Arsenal out of last season’s FA Cup

'I'm very happy with what the club has achieved in recent years,' says Khan. 'Four years ago, everyone would have considered this to be very successful'

‘I’m very happy with what the club has achieved in recent years,’ says Khan. ‘Four years ago, everyone would have considered this to be very successful’

‘We’ve had new milestones under Marco, the furthest the club has gone in the League Cup, the most points ever in a Premier League campaign (54 in 2024-25).

‘I hope we can build on that. We have a strong core with players in their prime who we know can play together and exciting young players who can come in and compete with a young coach.

‘Hopefully there’s new milestones to hit in the league and cup, but I want to keep the club in a stable position in the Premier League.’

70s Icon Chooses Solitude in London Amid Personal Loss

Rizzo

Stockard Channing has unveiled her newfound life as a ‘happy recluse’ (Image: Getty)

The beloved “Grease” star, Stockard Channing, now identifies herself as a content recluse since relocating to London shortly before the pandemic unfolded. At 82, the American actress—best known for her role as the defiant Rizzo in the classic film “Grease”, where she starred alongside John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John—has shared intimate details of her life in the bustling capital city in a frank new interview.

Channing made the move across the Atlantic seven years ago, following the passing of her longtime partner and producer Dan Gillham in 2014. In her latest revelations, she confessed that after Gillham’s death, she adopted a more reclusive lifestyle and finds peace in her solitude.

Reflecting on her transition, she disclosed to The Times, “I settled in London slightly before the Covid outbreak. After my partner Daniel’s death in 2014, the impact was far deeper than I’d anticipated; it crept up on me. My life’s routine altered significantly, prompting me to leave behind my life in Maine.”

Channing went on to discuss how her move coincided with the political upheaval brought on by Donald Trump’s election in the United States. Since the loss of Dan, who had stood by her side since 1990, she has been living independently.

Stockard Channing moved to London in 2019 (Image: Getty)

“I’m happy being a recluse,” she said. “I was married four times before Daniel and they all represent epochs of me. I grew up in the Sixties, reacting to that repressed notion of marriage and sexuality from the Fifties – kinda like Rizzo.

“Children were thought about and, yeah, I think about them now because it’d be great to have someone taking care of me. But hey, children can be just as selfish as everybody else out there.”

Speaking to The Sunday Times Magazine, the star also admitted that Dan’s death became more impactful to her as time went on.

“It was more devastating than I realised; it had a lag effect. The pattern of my life shifted, so I shifted my life from Maine [to London],” she explained.

Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen - Season 15

The actress has been married four times (Image: Getty)

Stockard has been married and divorced four times. She wed her first husband, wood sculptor, Walter Channing Jr, in 1963 before they split in 1967.

The on-screen star then walked down the aisle with professor, Paul Schmidt in 1970, but they divorced after six years together. Her third marriage was to writer and producer David Deblin, who she was with from 1976 to 1980.

Stockard then married businessman David Rawle in 1980. They split eight years later before the actress met cinematographer and producer Daniel in 1990, who she was with until he died in 2014.

The star played Betty Rizzo in the beloved 1978 classic Grease. In recent years, she also found success when appearing on the show The Good Wife.

Explore the Game-Changing Shifts in Spider-Man’s ‘Brand New Day’ Era

0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2bRrGVy3I[/embed>

The film “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is packed with Easter eggs that nod to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering tantalizing hints about where the franchise might head next. However, how closely does it mirror its comic book origins? To uncover this, Looper delved into the details, and you can watch our comprehensive analysis in the video above.

A key aspect to consider is the relationship between “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and its comic series namesake. The storyline in the comics follows the controversial “One More Day” arc, where a tragic event leads to Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson striking a controversial pact with the demon Mephisto. In exchange for Aunt May’s survival after a deadly attack, Mephisto erases the memory of Peter and MJ’s marriage and Peter’s public unmasking during the “Civil War” storyline.

In the cinematic version, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” addresses the repercussions of Peter Parker, portrayed by Tom Holland, choosing to erase public memory of his identity. The film continues from the dramatic conclusion of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” where Doctor Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, performs a spell to make everyone forget Peter Parker’s existence, critical for stabilizing the multiverse. This drastic step leaves Peter alone, without Aunt May, portrayed by Marisa Tomei, or Zendaya’s MJ, marking a fresh start that diverges from the comic plot.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day changes William Metzger and Sara Grey

While the movie retains thematic echoes of the “Brand New Day” comic arc, many elements have been reimagined. One notable deviation is the character of William Metzger, played by Tramell Tillman. In the film, Metzger is the Department of Damage Control’s head, involved in the violent saga resulting in the tragic demise of Sara Grey, portrayed by Olivia Booth-Ford, prompting Jean Grey, played by Sadie Sink, to pursue him. Unlike his minor comic book presence, where he led an anti-mutant militia and published The Militia Press, the movie suggests a potential evolution into a more fervent antagonist against mutants, hinting at future narrative developments.

Speaking of Sara Grey, she’s also a radical departure from the comics. In “Brand New Day,” she has the same telepathic abilities as Jean. Throughout much of her time in the comics, she’s powerless but remains supportive of Jean and other mutants. That recently changed with the release of 2025’s “Phoenix” #10 from Stephanie Phillips and Alessandro Miracolo. Following her death, Jean uses the Phoenix Force to resurrect her out of her memories. Sara assumes the moniker Beacon and gains the ability to activate latent powers within mutants. 

The MCU has always acted as more of a rough outline rather than a strict adaptation of the comics. But if you want to see where else “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” deviates, check out Looper’s video above. 

Georgia Man Allegedly Attempts to Run Woman Over 3 Times

0

In Georgia, a man finds himself in hot water after allegedly attempting to mow down a woman exercising, not once but three times. His aggression reportedly flared after she greeted him with a simple “good morning.”

Jesse Allen Davis is currently facing serious charges, including aggravated assault and hit-and-run. These charges came about following claims that he not only targeted the woman but also collided with another car and fled the scene on July 19, according to jail records analyzed by Oxygen.

The encounter unfolded around 8:50 a.m. in Marietta’s apartment complex near Sedgefield Road. The victim, who was on her morning exercise routine, happened upon Davis, a complete stranger, and politely wished him a good morning, as detailed in a report by WSB-TV.

Davis, allegedly infuriated, then climbed into a gray 2004 Nissan Sentra and is accused of trying to hit the woman at a terrifying speed. This is according to details from a Cobb County Police arrest warrant shared by the Marietta Daily Journal.

Sgt. Eric Smith, Public Information Officer for the Cobb County Police Department, elaborated further to WSB-TV, saying, “For reasons unknown, he got into a vehicle and attempted to hit her while she was in the parking lot.”

Davis was forced to stop his pursuit after another moving vehicle stopped nearby, blocking his path, authorities wrote in the warrant.

As the victim tried to flee to her residence, Davis is accused of trying to run her down a second time. This time, authorities said she ran up onto the sidewalk and sought refuge behind a trash dumpster and called 911.

Davis allegedly yelled profanities at her and then moved his car to try to strike her a third time, per the warrant.

Smith confirmed to Oxygen that Davis is accused of trying to run the victim down three times, but she managed to evade the vehicle. 

“Davis then drove away. On the way out of the apartment complex, he collided with a vehicle and continued driving,” Smith told Oxygen. “A short distance away, Davis collided with a utility pole, and his vehicle was disabled.” 

He was taken into custody without “significant incident” after officers discovered him inside the vehicle, Smith said.

Neighbor Lloydethan White saw the incident unfold that morning.

“When I had seen him,” he told WSB-TV, “he almost hit my car and her.”

Though he asked the woman if she was alright, he said he didn’t learn the full details of what happened until later. 

He added, “I think it’s wrong that a woman has to fear for her life, and she’s just trying to go about her normal day and workout.”

Davis is currently being held at the Cobb County jail on a $5,720 bail, according to the jail records. 

No attorney information was listed for him. 

Key Figures to Follow in Jared Bridegan Murder Trials

0

Examine the crucial figures involved in the murder-for-hire case, including the accused and potential witnesses.

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The trial is approaching for three suspects implicated in the death of Jared Bridegan, a father of four from St. Augustine.

On February 16, 2022, Bridegan was tragically shot and killed while attempting to remove a tire from a road in Jacksonville Beach. His untimely death sparked outrage along the First Coast as prosecutors suggest it was a targeted killing orchestrated by his ex-wife alongside her estranged husband.

Take a closer look at the significant personalities in this case, including the defendants and possible witnesses expected to testify.

Jared Bridegan

Jared Bridegan, a St. Augustine resident and Microsoft executive, was fatally shot in Jacksonville Beach in February 2022 just after leaving the residence of Shanna Gardner, his former wife.

The shooting happened after Bridegan pulled over to move a tire out the middle of a road. At the time of the shooting, he was with his 2-year-old daughter, Bexley.

The defendants

Shanna Gardner is the ex-wife of Jared Bridegan. She faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony and child abuse.

Mario Fernandez-Saldana is the now-estranged husband of Shanna Gardner. He faces charges of first-degree murder and solicitation to commit a capital felony.

Henry Tenon is the accused hitman who prosecutors allege was hired by Gardner and Fernandez-Saldana to kill Bridegan. He is charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, conspiracy to commit murder and accessory after the fact.

The prosecution

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Christina Stifler and Alan Mizrahi of the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Mizrahi handles court proceedings and pre-trial evidence hearings.

Defense attorneys

  • Jose Baez – Private Attorney
  • Patrick Korody – Private Attorney
  • Kirsten Nelson – Private Attorney
  • Michelle Medina – Private Attorney
  • James Hill – Private Attorney
  • Shannon Day – Private Attorney
  • Frank Tassone – Private Attorney
  • Jesse Dreicer – Private Attorney
  • Julie Schlax – Private Attorney

Key witnesses

Key witnesses who are expected to be called to testify during the three defendants’ trials include Kirsten Bridegan, Jared Bridegan’s widow, and Jared’s brothers, Adam and Justin Bridegan.

Tragedy in Colombia: 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake Kills 20, Collapses Buildings

0

BOGOTA, Colombia — A devastating earthquake registering 7.4 on the Richter scale rocked western Colombia on Monday, resulting in at least 20 fatalities. This seismic event caused a widespread collapse of buildings, trapping residents under debris, leaving a trail of injuries, and prompting evacuations that extended to the capital city of Bogotá.

Reports from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its Colombian equivalent pinpointed the epicenter in San Jose Del Palmar, a small community nestled in the Choco region, approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Bogotá. The tremor originated at a depth of 66 miles (107 kilometers), reaching as far as neighboring Ecuador.

Local authorities have confirmed that the earthquake claimed 18 lives in Pereira and another two in Manizales, highlighting the quake’s deadly impact on these communities.

Residents and rescue workers search through the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.

Residents and rescue workers search through the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga

In the aftermath, cities across western Colombia were left in disarray, as residents sifted through the wreckage amidst looming fears of potential aftershocks.

Jorge Moncayo, a 64-year-old taxi driver living in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, recounted seeing clouds of dust rising across the skyline from his mountain home when the buildings crumbled. By Monday morning, residents and rescue teams were actively searching through the ruins for survivors.

“My entire house shook,” he said. “I’ve never lived through such a powerful earthquake.”

In Manizales, a city nestled in the coffee producing mountains con Colombia, one of the towers of the neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed and fell on the nave. Jorge Eduardo Rojas, the mayor of Manizales said two people had died in the city “because of the quake” and asked residents to stay outside in case of aftershocks.

Choco Gov. Nubia Córdoba said on social media that “there are injuries and serious damage to buildings” in the regional capital of Quibdó, a city of about 130,000 people. She didn’t provide further details.

Footage shared by local media outlets showed homes and small buildings collapsing in the cities of Pereira, Cali and Quibdo.

In Cali, a city 2 million people, Mayor Alejandro Eder said that residents were trapped in at least 19 buildings that had collapsed.

Small earthquakes, known as “temblores,” are common in central and western Colombia, but those above 6.0 magnitude are rare. In 1999, a 6.2 magnitude quake near the city of Armenia, killed more than 1,100 people.

Colombia’s newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella said Monday that he had personally taken charge of the government’s response to the emergency in San José del Palmar following the earthquake that struck the country.

“You are not alone. The state is present and taking action,” he said.

The quake follows two back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes in Venezuela in late June. Those earthquakes destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed more than 5,000 people.

Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Runners Defy Limits with Surreal Marathon Across Williamsburg Bridge

0

Embarking on a marathon is not for the faint-hearted.

Yet, it’s an entirely unique challenge to undertake a marathon in ever-grittier locales, such as a confined 1.38-mile stretch repeatedly traversed across the Williamsburg Bridge.

This concept paved the way for the Williamsburg Bridge Marathon, a maverick race now celebrating its fourth unconventional year. The event operates without a permit, has zero entry fees, and stunningly, lacks a set course length.

Last Friday night, as darkness settled over the city, runners gathered at the Manhattan side of the bridge, completely unaware of their journey’s distance until after they took off.

The suspense was kept alive by a randomly generated number, chosen by computer, ranging anywhere from 10 to 100. This number, disclosed on the event’s website, determined the number of bridge spans participants needed to complete and log on the fitness app Strava.

This year, it was 17 bridge spans (approximating 21.42 miles) a disappointingly short year, according to race organizer and creator Matt White.

“Hopefully the random number generator gives us something harder next time,” White told The Post.

That being said, there were still plenty of DNFs (“did not finish”), but 13 women and 55 men completed the race, with Maya Geller taking top prize for the ladies (with a time of 3:15:04) and Joe Cady coming out on top for the guys (2:30:13).

After failing to qualify for the New York City Marathon, White decided on a whim to create his own race.

“We had gone out for drinks the night before, and I was like, ‘Yeah, I bet I can do it,’” the 31-year-old software engineer told BK Reader last year. “I really liked the idea of continuing to do marathons in progressively worse locations.”

The first year, around 20 runners came out. This year, hundreds gathered for the strange event, with race volunteer James Cashen estimating anywhere between 300 and 400 attended for the same reason many people start running — a sense of community.

“To me, the race is special because it represents the best parts of New York and the running community,” Cashen told The Post. “It’s gritty, difficult and continues to build around the energy of fun-loving NYC runners.

Many participants sign up because of the absurd nature of the race, with previous participants leaving reviews like, “Not finishing this race was a win in itself,” and “This is not actually a race — more of a group experience in mutual pain.”

It also speaks to the community-building group running events lends itself to.

“I like that you can go to the bridge at almost any time of day, and there will almost always be groups of people doing radically different things,” White told BK Reader.

Similarly, Nathan Yan ran the course for the first time last year, right after he’d moved to the city, in search of a “high-effort ridiculousness” endurance event where he’d find his people.

“It was one of my very first ‘New York’ experiences,” Yan told The Post. “I just moved from Colorado where [I] used to do things like 36-hour night skiing marathons — so this was right up my alley.”

For this year’s race, Yan didn’t have high hopes of running far with the high humidity and bridge elevation.

So instead, he strapped a 45-pound rig to his back, opting to play DJ for the night and see how far he could go.

While he completed seven bridge spans (9.06 mi), the highlight was continuously passing by people gathered on the bridge, dancing and cheering on the runners pushing to finish.

“I think that’s one of the beautiful things for the format of this marathon: There’s so much back-and-forth between all the runners and support groups, you could be at a PR pace, fun pace or Type II fun pace, but no one ever gets ‘left behind’ on the bridge route,” Yan said.

Yan’s DJ rig was one of first-time Williamsburg Bridge marathoner Kaeli T.’s favorite things about the race. She said the atmosphere and energy were top-notch.

“My favorite part was, hands down, the people who showed up,” the 28-year-old told The Post.

“Someone brought a cake and was sharing slices at the midway point,” she added. “People brought lawn chairs and yoga mats to hang out on the bridge. The vibes overall were fantastic.”

While she was disappointed it wasn’t a full or even ultramarathon, Kaeli was “grateful to get a good night’s sleep after.”

But it was the support from complete strangers that night that stuck out in her mind.

“I had people clapping as I ran past, and this woman shouted ‘Get it, girl!’ at about 12:15 am on her way home from a night out,” Kaeli recalled.

“Those random moments of support are what make running and races so special in general.”

Cashen agrees with the sentiment that races, especially the unusual ones, embody what running should be about.

“Having fun, not taking yourself too seriously and putting yourself up to challenges you think may be too steep and learning to overcome them,” he explained.

Trump Administration Targets Food Safety: New Scrutiny on Additives and Ingredients Unveiled

WASHINGTON – In a significant move, U.S. health officials unveiled a proposed rule change on Monday, which would mandate that food manufacturers inform regulators prior to adding new ingredients or additives to processed or packaged foods.

This initiative aims to revise a long-standing policy criticized by advocates as a regulatory loophole that has allowed thousands of untested ingredients to enter the U.S. food market unchecked.

Under the new rule proposed by the Food and Drug Administration, companies would be required to document and submit their safety data for any new ingredients. This would enable regulators to conduct investigations if there are any safety concerns. At present, companies can independently determine if an ingredient is “generally recognized as safe” without needing to notify or submit evidence to the FDA, although some do so voluntarily.

“Transitioning to a mandatory notification system addresses an information gap that has persisted for decades, providing the FDA with crucial oversight necessary to bolster post-market safety,” declared acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas during a briefing on Monday.

The proposal will be open for public comments over the next 120 days, inviting stakeholders to share their viewpoints.

Government scrutiny of ultraprocessed food continues, but with few details

In a separate move, the FDA said it completed work on the federal government’s first-ever definition of ultraprocessed food, but did not release any details or the proposed language. The agency said it has submitted the definition to the White House for further review.

Health advocates consider an official definition of ultraprocessed food a key step toward bringing greater scrutiny to packaged foods that are blamed for multiple chronic health problems afflicting Americans. A government-backed definition could pave the way for more federal research and, eventually, possible labeling or other restrictions on processed foods.

Neither of Monday’s announcements are likely to immediately impact American diets, which are packed with fats, sodium and sugar and are blamed for a host of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. But both initiatives are considered top priorities for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who entered government vowing to crack down on artificial colors, additives and other ingredients.

Ultraprocessed foods are made using industrial processing and additives, colors, preservatives or other ingredients not found in home kitchens. The foods include sugary cereals, sodas, chips, frozen pizzas and other grocery items.

Scientists have been working to define and classify processed foods for well over a decade. But sweeping definitions come with downsides. They can be often applied to foods like whole grain bread, yogurt and granola that are all highly processed but still considered nutritious. Some recent efforts to define ultraprocessed foods include carve-outs for foods that meet nutrition standards, despite having processed ingredients.

FDA proposal would bring new insights on additives used by food companies

In the U.S., an estimated 10,000 additives are allowed in food, including thickeners, preservatives and packaging ingredients.

Consumer advocates have long argued that many of those ingredients have never been properly vetted because of the FDA’s policy allowing manufacturers to certify for themselves that new additives are “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS.

FDA’s Diamantas stressed Monday that the new policy would not require all new ingredients to undergo FDA review. He said that type of mandatory review would need to be enacted by Congress in order to rewrite FDA’s authority over the food supply.

“What we’re doing is requiring companies that utilize the pathway to notify us of their conclusions so that we have greater visibility into those conclusions and consumers have awareness,” Diamantas said.

Under the proposal, the FDA would be expected to review new ingredient submission within 180 days. If FDA regulators have safety concerns they could request additional information from manufacturers or request that they delay introducing the ingredient.

A rule change in the 1990s created what advocates call a loophole

Any substance intentionally added to food is supposed to undergo formal review — unless the additive is considered safe. Since the late 1950s, the government recognized that many common ingredients in foods, such as spices and vinegar, were widely consumed and understood to be safe for consumption.

The FDA policed the GRAS exemption for years, but it took time and resources. Starting in 1997, the FDA began allowing companies to independently determine that a new additive is safe based on publicly available scientific evidence and the consensus of qualified experts.

However, the list of products deemed GRAS by companies grew to include many synthetic and natural additives, all incorporated into the food supply without independent review.

The process has created a “secret GRAS loophole,” according to the consumer advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest, that “undermines the integrity of our food safety system.”

Food industry officials contend their internal reviews of additives are as rigorous as the FDA’s own processes.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Wall Exercises to Rapidly Boost Shoulder Strength Over 60

0

Dealing with stiff, weakened shoulders after hitting 60? Discover how a trainer’s wall exercises can restore your shoulder strength and agility.

>

Having healthy shoulders can significantly enhance daily activities, making tasks like reaching for a mug in the kitchen, buckling up your seatbelt, slipping into a cozy jacket, or hauling bags of groceries much smoother. Yet, once you pass the age of 60, these simple moves can turn challenging as shoulder muscles progressively lose strength, particularly when they’re not routinely engaged. As someone who trains older adults, I often notice a common misconception: people tend to immediately go for heavier dumbbells. However, the key often lies in first nurturing stability and control before introducing additional weights.

While the shoulder stands as the body’s most flexible joint, this mobility also renders it less stable. Thus, simply hefting heavier weights doesn’t guarantee more robust shoulder health. Instead, wall exercises can help establish correct movement patterns by fortifying the muscles that support the shoulder blades and safeguard the joint through its entire motion range. Improved mechanics almost invariably translate to improved strength.

Throughout my years assisting adults over 60, I’ve witnessed remarkable recoveries in pain-free mobility and enhanced confidence in their upper body strength. Those who see the quickest improvements usually don’t start with hefty weights. They focus on basic exercises that enhance posture, coordination, and shoulder stability first. The following five wall exercises target the entire shoulder complex and are gentle enough for most fitness levels. By integrating them into your routine a few mornings a week, you’ll cultivate stronger, healthier shoulders that will support you seamlessly every day.

Wall Push-Ups

Whenever someone asks me how to rebuild shoulder strength safely, wall push-ups become my first recommendation. Every repetition strengthens the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core while allowing the shoulder blades to move naturally against very manageable resistance. I encourage clients to perform slow, controlled repetitions because quality movement builds healthier shoulders than simply doing more repetitions. Many notice reaching overhead and pushing doors open feels easier within a few weeks. It’s one of the safest ways to restore upper-body strength after 60.

How to Do It

  • Stand facing a wall.
  • Place your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  • Step your feet back comfortably.
  • Bend your elbows as you lower toward the wall.
  • Push back to the starting position.
  • Perform 12 to 15 repetitions.

4 Standing Exercises That Firm Belly Overhang Faster Than Pilates After 60

Wall Angels

Rounded shoulders become increasingly common after years of sitting, driving, and looking down at screens. Wall angels strengthen the muscles between the shoulder blades while improving mobility throughout the upper back and shoulders. I prescribe this exercise frequently because it helps restore proper posture without placing unnecessary stress on the joints. Clients often tell me they stand taller and experience less neck tension after practicing wall angels consistently. Better posture creates stronger shoulders.

How to Do It

  • Stand with your back against a wall.
  • Bend your elbows to 90 degrees.
  • Press your arms gently into the wall.
  • Slide your hands upward.
  • Return slowly.
  • Complete 10 to 12 repetitions.

Wall Slides

Wall slides strengthen the muscles responsible for upward shoulder movement while improving control throughout the entire range of motion. I often use them with clients who struggle reaching overhead because they reinforce healthy movement patterns without heavy resistance. Keeping the forearms in contact with the wall encourages excellent shoulder positioning from start to finish. Clients frequently notice smoother overhead movement after adding wall slides to their routine. Small improvements in shoulder mechanics often produce significant improvements in everyday comfort.

How to Do It

  • Stand facing a wall.
  • Place your forearms against it.
  • Tighten your core.
  • Slowly slide your arms upward.
  • Lower with control.
  • Perform 10 to 12 repetitions.

If You Can Hold a Wall Sit This Long After 60, Your Leg Strength Is Top-Tier

Wall Shoulder Taps

I like this exercise because it combines shoulder strength with core stability and balance. Supporting your body against the wall while alternating shoulder taps forces the stabilizing muscles around each shoulder to stay active throughout the movement. Clients often underestimate how challenging it feels until they begin moving one hand at a time. The exercise also improves coordination, making everyday reaching and carrying feel more controlled. It’s an excellent progression once wall push-ups begin feeling comfortable.

How to Do It

  • Stand facing a wall.
  • Lean into the wall with straight arms.
  • Lift one hand and tap the opposite shoulder.
  • Return your hand.
  • Alternate sides.
  • Continue for 30 to 45 seconds.

Is Walking 30 Minutes a Day Enough to Stay Fit After 60?