NewsFinale

Discover How Eastern Illinois University’s Proposed 5% Increase in Room and Board Could Impact Students

Local News

April 1, 2026

Discover How Eastern Illinois University’s Proposed 5% Increase in Room and Board Could Impact Students

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — The student government at Eastern Illinois University is currently evaluating a proposed increase in student room and board fees before the proposal is submitted to the university’s Board of Trustees for approval.

Matt Beerman, who serves as the Vice President for Business Affairs at EIU, explained that the university is considering a 5% hike in room and board costs for students. This would translate to an additional $300 to $400 in expenses for each student.

Beerman noted that the university is facing rising labor costs due to a new collective bargaining agreement for staff, alongside escalating food prices.

Trump Set to Unveil Bold Stance on NATO in Highly Anticipated Speech Tonight

NewsFinale Journal

April 1, 2026

Trump Set to Unveil Bold Stance on NATO in Highly Anticipated Speech Tonight

Donald Trump has issued a stark warning, suggesting the possibility of the United States withdrawing from NATO. Such a move would effectively unravel the most formidable military alliance globally and cast a shadow of uncertainty over Western security.

The President expressed that he was ‘definitely’ contemplating an exit from the 32-member coalition. He intends to criticize allies for their lack of support in the conflict with Iran during a prime-time speech scheduled at 9 PM ET on Wednesday.

In a conversation with Reuters, Trump mentioned, “I’ll be addressing my disappointment with NATO.” When questioned about the likelihood of leaving the alliance, he responded, “Oh, absolutely without question. Wouldn’t you, if you were in my position?”

Trump described the alliance, established in 1949, as a “paper tiger,” suggesting that America’s foes do not take it seriously. The reluctance of European nations to back his stance on Iran seems to be the breaking point in his longstanding disagreements with NATO members.

In a separate interview with the Daily Telegraph, Trump stated, “It’s beyond reconsideration. I was never convinced by NATO. I always perceived them as a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way.”

Trump’s threat comes as European allies have turned their backs on the Iran war, with France’s Emmanuel Macron calling the US strikes ‘outside of international law’ and Britain’s Keir Starmer declaring it ‘not our war.’

European nations, including Italy and Spain, have barred US warplanes from landing at bases and flying through their airspace as Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz sends global oil prices skyrocketing.

Trump told allies they should ‘go to the Strait and just take it’ and added that they should either buy US crude or ‘go get your own oil.’

President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the world after threatening to pull the United States out of NATO

Trump has warned he is strongly considering pulling the US out of NATO in his latest attack on the ‘paper tiger’

Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike hits a building near the airport road in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Shortly after Trump’s fiery comments, Sir Keir Starmer said NATO is ‘the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen’

Since the start of the war with Iran, the US has unsuccessfully tried to lobby his NATO allies into joining the fight.

The bloc has been reluctant to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway that ordinarily sees 20 percent of the world’s oil pass through every day.

Following the establishment of a blockade, Iran has all but closed the Strait for weeks, sending oil and gas prices soaring.

NATO’s reluctance on the fight in the Middle East appears to have irked Trump, who said: ‘Beyond not being there, it was actually hard to believe. I just think it should be automatic.

‘We’ve been there automatically, including Ukraine. Ukraine wasn’t our problem. It was a test, and we were there for them, and we would always have been there for them. [NATO] weren’t there for us.’

He also accused the UK of being weak and accused the Royal Navy of not being in a good enough shape to fight: ‘You don’t even have a navy. You’re too old and had aircraft carriers that didn’t work.’

Shortly after Trump’s fiery comments, Britain’s Starmer said NATO is ‘the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen.’

He also said he would only act in the interests of Britain, adding of the Middle East conflict: ‘This is not our war, and we’re not going to get dragged into it.’

Join the discussion

Do YOU think withdrawing from NATO would make the world safer or more unstable?

Trump attended a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on January 21 in Davos, Switzerland.

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, Netherlands’ Prime Minister Dick Schoof, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US President Donald Trump, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban stand with NATO country leaders for a family photo during the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

The annual meeting of political and business leaders came amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including at the time, Trump’s vow to acquire Greenland. He has since let go of that ambition, at least for the time being

He said the UK will host an international diplomatic conference this week on ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, Trump said the US could end its Iran offensive in two to three weeks and will shift responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz to countries that rely on it for oil and shipping as the White House announced a prime-time presidential address Wednesday evening on the war.

Trump expressed frustration Tuesday with allies who have been unwilling to do more to support the US’ war effort, telling them to ‘go get your own oil.’

He recently has flip-flopped between insisting there is progress in diplomatic talks with Iran and threatening to widen the war.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged receiving direct messages from US envoy Steve Witkoff.

He insisted, however, that there were no direct negotiations and said Iran has no faith that talks with the US could yield any results, saying ‘the trust level is at zero.’

‘You cannot speak to the people of Iran in the language of threats and deadlines,’ Araghchi said.

Asked if the United States would launch a ground war in Iran, Araghchi dismissed the idea.

‘I do not think they would dare to do such a thing,’ he said. ‘Very heavy casualties would await them.’

Max Thieriot Ignites TV Screens with Back-to-Back Hits: Inside ‘Fire Country’ and ‘Sheriff Country

Local News

NewsFinale Journal

April 1, 2026

Max Thieriot Ignites TV Screens with Back-to-Back Hits: Inside ‘Fire Country’ and ‘Sheriff Country

NEW YORK – Max Thieriot is swiftly becoming a prominent figure on Friday night television.

Thieriot takes center stage as the star, co-creator, and executive producer of CBS and Paramount+’s “Fire Country.” Additionally, he holds the roles of co-creator and executive producer for the new spinoff drama “Sheriff Country.” These shows dominate Friday evenings, securing the top two spots in television ratings.

Reflecting on his success, Thieriot admits, “It still feels a bit surreal.” He adds, “At first, I didn’t think I was as sharp as some writers, but I soon learned that the key is connecting with people. If you can move them, you have their attention.”

“Fire Country,” which emerged as the most-watched new series of the 2022-23 season and is now in its fourth season, along with “Sheriff Country,” are set in the fictional rural town of Edgewater, California. This close-knit community is where everyone seems to know each other’s business.

Both series blend elements of office romance with adrenaline-pumping action. “Fire Country” showcases thrilling firefighting scenes, while “Sheriff Country,” starring Morena Baccarin, tackles dramatic cases like a kidnapping linked to synthetic marijuana.

“That’s what these shows are — they’re grounded human stories centered in this small, rural community where life is complex, things aren’t black and white, and I think that’s relatable to a lot of people,” says Thieriot.

On Friday, his two shows will have their first crossover event as Edgewater’s sheriffs and firefighters team up to search for nine missing teens amid escalating chaos, a two-hour block where actors from both shows mingle.

“I love the episodes and it really plays like one, big, two-part incident,” he says. “It feels very fluid but we get to dive a little bit into the fun, too, like there’s moments of levity and moments of heart and some great intrigue.”

Thieriot knows this place

Thieriot grew up in the Sonoma County town of Occidental, a former logging hub nestled among towering redwoods, and watched many of his friends join the ranks of Cal Fire, California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Thieriot’s early acting gigs included “Bates Motel” and “SEAL Team” before he turned to writing. And when he did, he wrote what he knew.

“There’s a lot of things that people go through in their own personal life experiences or places they grew up that really could make for great television,” Thieriot says. “It almost takes somebody else looking at your crazy life to realize, ‘Wait a second, that sounds like a show.’”

Thieriot created the character of Bode Donovan, an inmate given the chance to join Cal Fire in exchange for a shortened prison sentence. Over the seasons, he’s faced drug dependency, a return to jail, family strains and heartbreak, in addition to harrowing wildfires.

Thieriot says he was deeply influenced by the show “Friday Night Lights,” which centered on a Texas town where the culture of high school football runs deep: “The thing that I loved about that show was you didn’t have to be a fan of football to like it. You saw how football was something in this community that brought everybody together, how life revolved around it.”

He hopes people tune into his show for the fires but stay for the characters. And with “Fire Country” a hit right out of the gate, Thieriot believed the town he created had more stories to tell. “We get to see one part of Edgewater in ‘Fire Country.’ Let’s bring the viewers the other part of Edgewater.”

Perhaps more than ruling Friday TV nights, Thieriot is proudest of creating jobs with his two shows: “One of the most gratifying things is knowing that between both shows there’s like 800 people that are getting paid every two weeks.”

Rural life

Running procedurals for two shows set in a working-class, rural community has its challenges. Unlike in a series set in an urban area, law enforcement and firefighters in Edgewater likely know the victims they race to help.

“There is something different about rolling up on a scene and it’s your friend or your neighbor,” says Joan Rater, who co-created both shows with Thieriot and her husband, Tony Phelan. “You know them as a whole person. And so you’re not going to come with certain assumptions you may come with if you didn’t know them.”

That means the writers need to play a long game — laying the groundwork for future drama by introducing and nurturing characters to weave in and out every week.

Phelan laughs that Thieriot is so plugged into his Northern California community that he always knows a buddy in firefighting or farming or law enforcement whom the writers can turn to for a storyline.

“Max is incredibly generous, but he also has a very clear idea of the story and the tone of the show and what feels true to him,” he says. “I think Max is really dialed into the audience of the show.”

Thieriot hopes the fictional community he’s created can help the real nation bridge some of its division. Neighbors in Edgewater might disagree but they’ve got each other’s backs and they need to stay civil because they’ll see them again real soon.

“I think it’s important to be reminded that we all live in the same country, we all bleed the same,” he says. “Obviously there’s differences between everybody, but that’s the great thing. It’s understanding those differences that makes us unique and special, not enemies.”

As for whether there’s another series in him, don’t bet against Thieriot. “My wheels are always turning,” he says, laughing. “I’m doing my best to add as much as I can to these two shows, but I’d be lying if I said if I wasn’t thinking about something else.”

Hawaii Doctor’s Shocking Confession: Son Reveals Father’s Plan to Jump After Cliffside Attack on Wife

NewsFinale Journal

April 1, 2026

Hawaii Doctor’s Shocking Confession: Son Reveals Father’s Plan to Jump After Cliffside Attack on Wife

Police bodycam shows bloodied wife after alleged trail attack

Jurors were shown intense police body camera footage depicting the chaotic moments following the reported attack on Arielle Konig. The video revealed her sitting injured and dazed on a hiking path, while nearby bystanders offered assistance and officers evaluated the situation. (KHON-FOX)

A Hawaii jury listened to the testimony of a son who recounted seeing his father on FaceTime, wearing a blood-stained shirt, admitting to a violent attempt on his wife’s life, and expressing intentions to leap off a cliff before law enforcement could intervene.

The prosecution is heavily relying on the testimony of Emile Konig as they pursue charges against Gerhardt Konig, a physician accused of assaulting his wife, Arielle Konig, near Oahu’s Pali Puka Trail in March 2025.

Emile, who resided with his parents and younger siblings in Kahului, Maui, explained that the distressing call occurred shortly after the alleged incident.

“He said he wouldn’t be returning to Maui and instructed me to look after the younger kids, mentioning that Ari, my stepmother, had been unfaithful and that he tried to kill her,” Emile recounted in court, according to Hawaii News Now and courtroom testimony.

Gerhardt Konig appears in a Hawaii courtroom

Hawaii doctor Gerhardt Konig appears before a judge via video during an arraignment hearing after being indicted on allegations of attempting to kill his wife on Monday, April 7, 2025, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

Jurors heard the first call came at 10:42 a.m., when Konig allegedly told his son he was not coming home and needed him to step in for the family. He also claimed Arielle had been unfaithful and said he had just tried to kill her.

About an hour later, Emile testified, his father called again on FaceTime, where he appeared with blood on his shirt.

Emile told the court he saw blood on his father’s shirt.

During the call, Konig again spoke about the alleged affair and the attack, and then described what he planned to do next.

“During that call, the next plan that he said was to jump off the cliff,” Emile testified. “I told him not to.”

Gerhardt Konig sits in court during his Maui attempted murder trial

Gerhardt Konig sits in a Maui courtroom as he faces charges in the attempted murder trial involving his estranged wife. (KHON-FOX)

Prosecutors say Konig ended the call with a stark warning: “I’m going to go before the police catch me.”

Emile also testified his father never claimed self-defense during either call, a key point as the defense has argued Arielle was the initial aggressor.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Thomas Otake pressed Emile on specifics of the FaceTime call.

Emile confirmed he saw blood on his father’s shirt and that Konig said it belonged to Arielle. He also testified that his father told him the blood came from her head and that Arielle had been cheating on him for “a couple months.”

Otake also asked whether everything had seemed normal earlier that morning.

“Yes,” Emile said.

In the courtroom, Konig reportedly showed no visible emotion as his son testified. Emile’s grandparents also watched quietly from the gallery, Hawaii News Now reported.

Earlier in the trial, Honolulu Police Department digital forensics examiner Det. Thomas Iinuma detailed what prosecutors describe as a troubling digital trail in the months leading up to the incident.

Gerhardt Konig in a jumpsuit while appearing for court.

Hawaii doctor Gerhardt Konig appears before a judge via video during an arraignment hearing after being indicted on allegations of attempting to kill his wife, April 7, 2025, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

Investigators recovered data from Konig’s laptop, where a single active user profile, “GKonig,” contained a series of late-night Reddit searches and posts focused on infidelity, betrayal and divorce.

On Dec. 24 and 25, 2024, Konig allegedly browsed threads with titles such as “Lying again,” “It’s over,” and “I did a horrible thing,” many within forums dedicated to coping with infidelity.

One post read: “My wife cheated on me two years ago and I forgave her… How can I trust her again?”

Authorities also found that Konig purchased a voice-activated audio recorder and later searched for remote Maui hiking locations, including detailed information about the Pali Puka Trail, which is known for steep, dangerous cliffs.

Keyword analysis of the device revealed repeated searches including “danger,” “death,” “fall,” “kill,” “die,” “cliff,” and “hike.”

A Dropbox folder labeled “Divorce” was also discovered.

Gerhardt Konig is charged with attempted second-degree murder after he allegedly tried to kill his wife while hiking in Hawaii. (Gerhardt Konig/Facebook)

Family members also testified that the relationship between Gerhardt and Arielle Konig had grown increasingly tense.

Peter Mast, Arielle’s stepfather, said the marriage had cooled over the past year, though Konig appeared to act as if “everything was normal” at a family gathering in January.

Arielle’s mother, Judith Mast, described tension and emotional distance but said the relationship appeared to be improving before the incident.

After the state rested its case, prosecutors pointed to Emile Konig’s testimony as a critical piece of evidence supporting their narrative of what happened.

They said his account provides a direct window into the defendant’s mindset immediately after the alleged attack, linking the digital evidence, the alleged motive of infidelity, and the events on the cliff.

The defense is expected to continue arguing that the incident stemmed from a confrontation initiated by Arielle.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

Stepheny Price is a Writer at Fox News with a focus on West Coast and Midwest news, missing persons, national and international crime stories, homicide cases, and border security.

Zendaya’s Silence on Tom Holland Marriage Rumors: Unveiling the Real Reason Behind the Mystery

NewsFinale Journal

April 1, 2026

Zendaya’s Silence on Tom Holland Marriage Rumors: Unveiling the Real Reason Behind the Mystery

Zendaya is keeping mum on some of the most talked-about questions surrounding her personal life.

During a recent episode of The New York Times’ “Modern Love” podcast, the actress tactfully sidestepped revealing whether she and Tom Holland have tied the knot. Her discretion was evident, even as the topic of her romantic life came under the spotlight.

The “Euphoria” actress acknowledged the immense public interest in her relationship, a natural consequence of both her and Holland’s rise to fame and their on-screen romances that have captivated audiences. “We’ve grown up in front of people and done movies where we fall in love with each other,” she noted, reflecting on the nature of their shared public journey.

Despite understanding the public’s curiosity, Zendaya emphasized her need for privacy. “I know I’m a public person, and so is he,” she admitted. “I really do understand that and I don’t want to dismiss that as if to say, ‘Stay out of my business.’”

Nonetheless, Zendaya, now 29, expressed her desire to keep certain aspects of her life under wraps. “I am a very private person,” she explained, underscoring her efforts to maintain personal boundaries for both herself and Holland.

Zendaya added that she and her “Spider-Man: No Way Home” co-star are not trying to “hide from the world” but rather “preserve things” and “maintain [their] joy.”

Though the “Drama” star understands fans want to know more about her and Holland’s dynamic, she will not be pulling back the curtain anytime soon.

Zendaya noted that she is honoring her “own little boundaries” by doing so.

The former Disney Channel star and Holland, also 29, first sparked marriage rumors in February, when the former was spotted wearing a gold band on that finger instead of her five-carat engagement ring.

The following month, Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach, shocked the world when he claimed the couple had secretly tied the knot.

“The wedding has already happened,” he told Access Hollywood on the SAG Actor Awards 2026 red carpet in March. “You missed it. It’s very true.”

Weeks later, Zendaya refused to “clear up confusion” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” — only to baffle fans further with a fake wedding video.

Meanwhile, the outfits for her latest press tour fueled speculation as they revolve around the the classic wedding rhyme of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.”

Holland, for his part hand, has not helped matters by recently stepping out sans his wedding band.

He and Zendaya went public with their romance in 2021, and the latter debuted her engagement ring last year.

Mother Discovers Surprising Bond as Toddler Shares Breakfast with Veteran

NewsFinale Journal

April 1, 2026

Mother Discovers Surprising Bond as Toddler Shares Breakfast with Veteran

A heartwarming moment captured on video has resonated with people worldwide, thanks to the touching actions of a young boy. The simple yet profound gesture by toddler Hudson Drew has elicited emotional responses across the globe.

“It just melted my heart; I wished that moment could last forever,” shared Ashlyn, Hudson’s mother, recounting the experience with warmth. She recorded the poignant moment when her son decided to take his little tray and join an elderly man who was dining by himself.

Hudson’s curiosity and compassion shone through when he asked about the older man’s children. “He asked where the older man’s kids were. I was like, ‘I don’t know, they might have moved away,’” explained Ashlyn. Unsettled by the idea of the man being alone, Hudson approached him and asked if he could join him for the meal.

In a viral video, a 3-year-old boy named Hudson is seen sharing a meal with a stranger at a McDonald’s who was eating alone.

This small yet significant act of kindness quickly gained attention, with the video capturing the moment going viral on social media, touching the hearts of viewers everywhere.

The video went viral on social media.

But it turns out, the perfect strangers have a special connection.

SEE ALSO | Strangers donate nearly $1 million to viral 78-year-old delivery worker

People in town helped identify the mystery man as Dan Taylor.

Turns out Dan was close with Ashlyn’s great grandparents, aka Hudson’s great-great grandparents, who passed away in 2024.

“I said, ‘George and Dorothy Kerlick.’ he goes, ‘She used to make my sauerkraut for me,” Ashlyn said.

Dan said his day was made when Hudson came over to ask if he could join him.

“It was so unexpected. He was, he was a jewel,” Dan said.

Tragic Incident: Infant Buried Alive by Father in Remote Area – Shocking Details Emerge

Crime

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April 1, 2026
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Inset: John Hannon (San Juan County Adult Detention Center). Background: Cops search for Hannon”s infant son in a remote area near Flora Vista, New Mexico (San Juan County Sheriff’s Office via KOB).

A father in New Mexico is suspected of having buried his 11-month-old son alive during a walk in a secluded area, potentially causing the child to inhale dirt in his final moments, according to officials.

John Hannon, aged 43, faces charges of child abuse leading to death and evidence tampering in connection with the tragic demise of his son, John “JJ” Teigue Hannon. These charges were reported by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

As detailed in an affidavit obtained by local NBC affiliate KOB, the infant’s death was attributed to a skull fracture, and the presence of dirt in his airway indicates he may have been alive when buried.

KOB also secured footage of Hannon’s interrogation with detectives, who questioned him about the events leading to his son’s disappearance.

An investigator inquired, “Why is JJ missing? Is he hurt?”

“Yes, he’s hurt bad,” Hannon replied.

They then showed him a picture of his son’s body and asked whether he hit his son.

“No, not technically,” Hannon stated.

Asked whether his son fell or he threw him, the defendant responded “neither.”

While he was evasive about how he allegedly killed JJ, he did admit to burying him, according to the Durango Herald.

“I knew he was dead,” Hannon reportedly said.

He later told detectives he “made a mistake,” insisting that “at one point in time I did love my kids” but that it had “changed,” per the Herald.

As Law&Crime previously reported, the investigation began on Feb. 8 when a homeowner called cops and said video from the day before showed a suspicious man pushing a stroller outside the residence near Flora Vista in the Four Corners area, Sheriff Shane Ferrari said in a video posted to Facebook.

Deputies went to the home. They did not locate anyone, but they did find a discarded stroller. Later on Feb. 8, the mother of the 11-month-old child called deputies to say that her baby had been missing since the day before and that Hannon had taken the baby and a 4-year-old child in a stroller to a Dollar General store near where they lived. Hannon returned with only the 4-year-old, claiming a grandparent picked up the baby, according to Ferrari.

The deputy heard the call about the missing child and alerted authorities about the discarded stroller. Cops determined it was Hannon pushing the stroller the day before, although the video did not depict whether there was a child inside. Law enforcement went to Hannon’s home, and when he didn’t come out, deputies forced their way inside, where they found him hiding. The baby was not with him.

“When asked about the whereabouts of the baby, Hannon gave conflicting statements as to the location of the child,” Ferrari said.

Cops took Hannon into custody on an unrelated felony warrant. Meanwhile, investigators searched the area where the deputy found the stroller. They located clothing belonging to Hannon and the baby, but not the child. They were able to search the area more thoroughly after daybreak on Feb. 9.

“Sadly, at approximately 10 a.m. the search team found the partially buried body of the 11-month-old baby,” the sheriff said.

A medical examiner determined the manner of death to be homicide. They are still investigating a motive and what led up to the baby’s death.

“There is no greater evil than individuals who hurt and kill children. You have my word we will do everything in our power to bring justice to this precious child,” Ferrari said.

Hannon is in the San Juan County Adult Detention Center without bond. It’s unclear when he will next appear in court.

Transatlantic Tensions Escalate: Trump’s Latest NATO Critique Deepens Divide

AU

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April 1, 2026
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While Trump’s talk of a possible NATO pull-out dates back years, the comments to Britain’s Telegraph newspaper, published on Wednesday, were among the clearest and most disparaging yet – suggesting the fracture has deepened perhaps to a point of no return.

When questioned about the possibility of revisiting US membership in the alliance following the conclusion of the conflict with Iran, Trump asserted, “Oh yes, I would say (it’s) beyond reconsideration.”

US President Donald Trump said he is strongly considering pulling the US out of NATO, ratcheting up his criticism of European allies (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

NATO did not provide an immediate response when approached by The Associated Press for comment.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, addressing the situation, emphasized the UK’s unwavering support for NATO, describing it as “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen.”

The war has put many European leaders under political strain, with the conflict being unpopular domestically and causing fuel prices to skyrocket due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel that facilitates roughly 20% of global oil trade.

“Regardless of the pressure on myself and others, or any external clamor, my decisions will be guided by the British national interest,” Starmer stated on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asked about the comment, said Britain was “fully committed to NATO”. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Long-simmering tensions within the alliance have bubbled up again over the war. As energy prices have spiked, Trump has been desperate to get countries to send their ships to the Strait. He’s called his NATO allies “cowards,” pulling at any rhetorical lever he can to get help with the fallout of a war that no ally was consulted on or asked to take part in.

For years, Trump has berated America’s European allies, urging them to assume greater responsibility for their own security and spend more on defence. He has argued that the US has done more for them than the other way around.

A US pull-out would essentially spell the end of NATO, which flourished for decades under American leadership.

On Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump lashed out at countries “like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran,” and suggested they buy US oil or go to the Strait of Hormuz themselves “and just take it”.

He also wants allies to help fix damage from the war that they had no part in starting.

In a social media post, Trump suggested they buy US oil or go to the Strait of Hormuz themselves “and just take it”. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

The UK is working on plans that could help assuage Trump.

On Thursday, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host a virtual meeting of 35 countries that have signed up to help ensure security for shipping in the Strait after the war.

Starmer said military planners will also work on a post-war security plan for the strait.

The backdrop: NATO not on board to join US in war

NATO is built on Article 5 of its founding treaty, which pledges that an attack on any one member will be met with a response from them all.

As the Iran war has spread, missiles and drones have been fired toward NATO member Turkey and a British military base on Cyprus, fuelling speculation about what might prompt NATO to trigger its collective security guarantee and come to their rescue.

The alliance has not intervened or signalled any plan to. Secretary-General Mark Rutte – who has voiced support for Trump and America’s role in the alliance – has been focusing mostly on Russia’s war against Ukraine, which borders four NATO countries.

Secretary-General Mark Rutte – who has voiced support for Trump and America’s role in the alliance – has been focusing mostly on Russia’s war against Ukraine, which borders four NATO countries. (Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

NATO operates uniquely by consensus. All 32 countries must agree for it to take decisions, so political priorities play a role. Even invoking Article 5 requires agreement among the allies. Turkey or the UK cannot trigger it alone.

In the Mideast war, Trump has bristled at the across-the-board rejection from European and other allies, and even rival China, to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Many European Union and NATO member country leaders have fumed since the war’s outset on February 28 because they weren’t informed ahead of time, seen as a break with precedent.

Trump insisted he needed the element of surprise, and he spoke out about possible military action and visibly built up US forces in the region in the run-up to the war.

Rising voices, and tougher action, from Europe over the Mideast war

European leaders have called for the war to stop and want the United States and Iran to return to negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, which America and Israel see as a threat.

The vocal opposition in Europe to Trump’s war against Iran has started to turn into action.

Spain — the most vocal critic in Europe — on Monday said it closed its airspace to US planes involved in the Iran war.

European leaders have called for the war to stop and want the United States and Iran to return to negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Early last month, France agreed to let the US Air Force use a base in southern France after receiving a “full guarantee” from the United States that planes not involved in carrying out strikes against Iran would land there.

Other countries have spoken out against it: Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany’s largely ceremonial president, last week called the aggression against Iran a “dangerous mistake” in violation of international law.

US relations with Europe had already soured in recent months over Trump’s call for Greenland — a semiautonomous territory of stalwart NATO ally Denmark — to become part of the United States, prompting many EU countries to rally behind Copenhagen.

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Supergirl’s Milly Alcock Takes a Stand: Navigating Criticism in a Franchise World

Celeb Lifestyle

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April 1, 2026
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Milly Alcock, renowned for her role in “Supergirl,” is preparing for potential public criticism as the film gears up for its June debut. She notes that women who take on roles in beloved franchises often find themselves under intense scrutiny just for being part of the project.

In an interview with Vanity Fair that coincided with the unveiling of the film’s latest trailer, Alcock spoke candidly about the challenges of leading a major DC film. She reflected on how her experience with “House of the Dragon,” the acclaimed “Game of Thrones” spinoff that catapulted her into the limelight, has equipped her to handle the pressures of being in the public eye.

“My time on ‘House of the Dragon’ made me realize that as a woman in this industry, simply existing can generate commentary,” Alcock shared, drawing parallels between her roles in both high-profile series.

She continued, “Our society has grown accustomed to this peculiar sense of ownership over women’s bodies, which is something I find concerning.”

“We have become very comfortable having this weird ownership of women’s bodies.”

Alcock said she’s been having “crazy dreams” about standing before a tsunami, which she links to fears about leading a major superhero film.

Despite her concerns, Alcock said audience reactions are out of her hands.

“Of course I’m scared,” said Alcock. “Of course, I want people to like me and the movie. But, ultimately, it’s out of my control.”

The latest “Supergirl” trailer has already racked up nearly 2 million views on YouTube within its first three hours. It features a cameo by actor David Corenswet, who starred alongside Alcock in the latest “Superman” film.

Alcock noted that after appearing in the smash-hit “House of the Dragon,” she initially swore she’d never act in another large franchise.

That changed after she was unemployed for nearly a year and feared her career was “over at 22.”

Alcock said she “bullied” herself into auditioning for “Supergirl” and ended up bagging the part.

She also responded to criticism from veteran directors, including Martin Scorsese, who have expressed dislike of the superhero genre.

“Whenever a new wave comes along, there’s going to be criticism towards it,” said Alcock. “Not every film is for everyone. The beauty of art is that you can be selective about your taste.”

Alcock is originally from Australia and appeared in the 2025 Netflix miniseries “Sirens.” She joined the “Game of Thrones” universe as Rhaenyra Targaryen in the debut season of “House of the Dragon.”

“Supergirl” hits theaters this June.

Man’s $100k Affair Sparks Bitter Divorce Battle as Wife Demands Everything

US

NewsFinale Journal
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April 1, 2026
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After three decades of marriage, my wife and I find ourselves merely going through the motions. Although neither of us ever mentioned the word ‘divorce,’ it felt as though we were stuck in a rut.

In recent years, I engaged in an affair that cost me approximately $100,000. It didn’t happen overnight; rather, it accumulated over time. We spent around $30,000 on vacations, another $15,000 on gifts, and $30,000 to assist her with rent and bills. Regular dinner dates, where it was expected I’d foot the bill, added to the expenses.

About a month ago, my wife discovered the affair, and the fallout was immediate and intense.

She has since enlisted the services of a divorce lawyer, with a particular focus on our finances. We have about $100,000 left in savings and investments, and our home, valued at approximately $500,000, still carries a $200,000 mortgage. She is determined to claim the house, our savings, and even wants the $100,000 I spent during the affair to be considered in the divorce proceedings.

She’s already got a divorce lawyer that’s mostly focusing on the money. We’ve got about $100,000 left in savings and investments, and a house worth around $500,000 with $200,000 left on the mortgage. She’s saying she’s going after the house, the savings accounts, everything – and even wants the $100,000 I spent counted against me.

Now I’m looking at lawyer fees, plus losing everything that I worked hard to buy, and I feel trapped. Is there any way to limit the damage here? I’d love any financial advice to help soften the blow.

Sincerely,

Swiped Savings

While the divorce rate has declined since the 1980s, it’s estimated that about 42 percent of first marriages end in divorce

Jennifer Brandt, a Philadelphia-based family lawyer, says judges focus on dividing money fairly – not punishing bad behavior in a marriage gone wrong

Affair aside, the cost of divorce is nothing to scoff at, with the average cost per person in the US running about $10,000 to $20,000 for a contested divorce.

Our reader is from New York, where divorce attorney fees weigh in at $250 to $450 per hour, and the median cost of a contested divorce is around $16,000.

These five-figure fees, plus fears about needing to pay back $100,000 in affair spending, left our reader fearful for their financial future.

The Daily Mail sat down with attorneys Claire Banks, Daniel Gvertz, Michael Belsky and Jennifer Brandt to see what advice they’d offer for someone with looming legal trouble like this.

Even if a spouse says they plan on going after ‘everything,’ the amount they can actually get varies by state.

Jennifer Brandt, a Philadelphia-based family law attorney, said that for the most part divorce laws are not designed to punish one side or the other. Instead, they aim to ‘fairly’ address economic issues for everyone involved.

Each state has different rules to decide who gets what in a divorce, so the first step is to consult with an attorney who knows the ropes in your state.

‘Get advice from a professional rather than to listening to threats from your spouse or asking for information from well-meaning friends and family,’ said Brandt.

For couples in New York, proving fault is not necessary for filing for divorce – that is not the case in every state

Claire Banks is an Associate Attorney at Spodek Law Group based in New York

Daniel Gvertz agreed. ‘It’s very important to work with your attorney in any divorce action involving allegations like these,’ he said. ‘Complete a proper timeline and delineate as many of these expenditures as possible.’

New York state law offers no-fault divorces, allowing the marriage to be dissolved regardless of who did what.

The law also lets one spouse sue another to determine fault, but that’s an expensive – and rare – proposition.

Claire Banks warned that proving fault requires neutral witnesses who lack any vested interest in testifying about someone else’s private business.

‘The cold truth is that a judge doesn’t care about what someone does in their free time unless it impacts how equity is distributed’ said Banks.

And that’s a key concept for Swiped Savings: Equitable distribution rules – or ‘equitable division of the assets’ for the Legally Blonde fans – mean it’s most likely that only half of the funds he spent on his lover will need to be paid back.

‘Many believe infidelity equals a legal payday, but that’s rarely the case,’ said Banks.

Keep in mind that the math of equal distribution can be case-specific, based on how much each spouse contributed before and during the marriage.

Divorce can be costly in the United States, regardless of how many assets the couple has to divide

Gvertz noted that timing and the amount of money at stake are factors courts take into consideration when making decisions.

‘Don’t expect the court to hammer a spouse for their extracurriculars,’ said Banks. ‘Frankly, they have far more pressing matters on their docket.’

According to Michael Belsky, the money Swiped Savings spent on the affair could be considered ‘dissipation of a marriage asset.’

‘The spouse’s attorney would have to prove that the other side spent the money on an extra marital affair, and that would usually be done by obtaining different types of bills or credit card receipts,’ said Belsky.

If they proved an affair took place, Swiped Savings would owe his spouse a portion of the $100,000 out of the remaining common assets.

‘What could occur in this situation is that the $100,000 in savings and investments might be transferred to the wife and you might not receive any share of the amount – to compensate for the money spent on the extramarital affair,’ he said.

Homes are a major bone of contention in any divorce. Each spouse is entitled to half of marriage assets, and home equity – or the market value of a property minus any outstanding mortgage costs – is always a big chunk of the total.

‘The house, unless otherwise agreed-upon between you and your wife, would be sold and any equity after closing would be split between the parties – or one party could buy the other party out of the equity in the home,’ said Belsky.

More than anything, Brandt emphasized the importance of meeting with legal experts as soon as possible. Their fees are high, but peace of mind is worth paying for.

‘During a meeting, you learn the ins and outs of the divorce process,’ she said. ‘And understand what you face if the matter results in divorce’.

Do you have a money question you need answered? Please fill out our submission form or email money@dailymail.com.

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