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Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff End Three-Year Marriage: Inside the Surprising Split

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Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff have ended their nearly three-year marriage, according to reports.

The couple, comprising Qualley, aged 31, and Antonoff, 42, are said to have parted ways and are now experiencing a ‘rocky’ phase, as revealed by a source to People.

An additional insider noted that the actress and the Bleachers singer are still in the process of ‘figuring things out.’

These revelations follow speculation about the status of their relationship, which arose when Antonoff attended the July 3 wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce accompanied by his sister, rather than Qualley.

Further fueling the rumors, it was observed that Qualley had discreetly removed images from their August 2023 wedding from her Instagram account.

Qualley and Antonoff made their last public outing together at the Grammys in February 2026 – where they put on a loved-up display while mingling with fellow music stars. 

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for comment and has yet to hear back.

Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff have split after nearly three years of marriage - pictured in February 2026 at the Grammys, their last public appearance together

Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff have split after nearly three years of marriage – pictured in February 2026 at the Grammys, their last public appearance together

This also comes after it emerged Qualley had quietly deleted photos of the pair's August 2023 wedding from her Instagram - pictured March 2025

This also comes after it emerged Qualley had quietly deleted photos of the pair’s August 2023 wedding from her Instagram – pictured March 2025 

The gallery of snaps featured several throwback photos from the celebration. Though the original link no longer leads to a functioning webpage, a Qualley fan page on X reposted them.

In addition, a scroll through her Instagram feed shows zero photos of Antonoff, including any from around their August 2023 wedding.

Her most recent social media activity involving her husband was wishing him a happy birthday on her Instagram Story (which expires 24 hours after being posted) on March 31.

The image featured the musician with his arm around her as she captioned it: ‘Happy birthday sweetheart.’

On April 28, Qualley changed her Instagram username from @isimostar to @sarahmargaretqualley23.

It is a notable change, as Antonoff has a 2024 song titled Isimo with his band Bleachers.

Qualley’s absence from the wedding of the year came 11 months after she gave an awkward response to being asked why her husband was not producing one of Swift’s albums.

The actress appeared caught off guard when Today co-host Craig Melvin mentioned The Life of a Showgirl in their sit-down.

There now is no trace of Antonoff on Qualley's Instagram page

There now is no trace of Antonoff on Qualley’s Instagram page

In March, Qualley posted photos from her 2023 wedding with Antonoff to promote his latest single with his band Bleachers, titled Dirty Wedding Dress, which references their nuptials. Above, during their reception in New Jersey

In March, Qualley posted photos from her 2023 wedding with Antonoff to promote his latest single with his band Bleachers, titled Dirty Wedding Dress, which references their nuptials. Above, during their reception in New Jersey

Her most recent social media activity involving her husband was wishing him a happy birthday on her Instagram Story (which expires 24 hours after being posted) on March 31

Her most recent social media activity involving her husband was wishing him a happy birthday on her Instagram Story (which expires 24 hours after being posted) on March 31

Antonoff attended Swift's blowout wedding without Qualley on Friday, bringing his sister Rachel, right, instead

His sister Rachel wowed in a silver sequined gown

Antonoff attended Swift’s blowout wedding without Qualley on Friday, bringing his sister Rachel, right, instead

Antonoff and Swift have worked together on ten albums and several one-off singles

Antonoff and Swift have worked together on ten albums and several one-off singles

After noting that Antonoff has ‘produced for Taylor for years’ and has ‘an album that’s coming out,’ the journalist asked Qualley to ‘tell us about’ the record.

‘I don’t know anything,’ she replied as her eyes widened in surprise.  

Qualley proceeded to let out an awkward laugh before adding, ‘I’ll be excited to listen to the music.’

Melvin responded with a pointed, ‘OK. Alright,’ signaling he wasn’t entirely convinced she was as out of the loop as she claimed.

Antonoff has served as Swift’s primary co-songwriter and producer on her most recent albums, 2022’s Midnights and 2024’s The Tortured Poets Department. 

Her latest record, however, was produced by Max Martin and Shellback. 

Swift fans famously swarmed Qualley and Antonoff’s wedding rehearsal dinner in 2023.

The couple were engaged the year prior after being romantically linked in 2021.

Qualley is seen wearing her eye-catching, diamond engagement ring while at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2022

Qualley is seen wearing her eye-catching, diamond engagement ring while at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2022 

They married at at Parker’s Garage in Long Beach, New Jerset with guests including Swift, model Cara Delevingne and Lana Del Rey in attendance.

The daughter of actress Andie MacDowell was the epitome of elegance in a white, halter-styled wedding gown with a plunging neckline. 

The former couple were first romantically linked back in August 2021, and later attended the Critics’ Choice Awards together in March 2022, seemingly publicly confirming their budding relationship. 

Just two months later in May, the beauty sparked engagement rumors when she was seen wearing an eye-catching, diamond ring while at the Cannes Film Festival. Later that same month, it was confirmed Antonoff had popped the big question. 

In 2024 Qualley said she had experienced love at first sight with Antonoff.  

In an interview with Elle UK, she reflected on the early days of her romance with the music producer.

Just two weeks after meeting Grammy winner, she knew she wanted to marry him and confided in creative director Virginie Viard at the Chanel haute couture show in the summer of 2021.

‘I’d met Jack probably two weeks before, but I was head-over-heels in love right away,’ Qualley revealed. ‘I had a sure, knowing feeling that he was my husband.’

Keeping to her word, Qualley and Antonoff did in fact get married on August 19, 2023, which was almost exactly two years to the day that she made her profound prediction.

Qualley made her acting debut in the drama film Palo Alto (2013), but she would gain worldwide recognition for her role in the hit HBO series The Leftovers (2014-2017).

The Montana native subsequently appeared in films such as The Nice Guys (2016), Death Note (2017), Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019), My Salinger Year (2020) and Poor Things (2023).

She received critical acclaim and nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards for playing Ann Reinking in the FX biographical miniseries Fosse/Verdon (2019) and the title role in the drama miniseries Maid (2021).

She currently has no less than two new projects currently in some form of post-production, including the films The Substance and Kinds Of Kindness.

In 2024 Qualley said she had experienced love at first sight with Antonoff - pictured 2024

In 2024 Qualley said she had experienced love at first sight with Antonoff – pictured 2024 

Antonoff is the lead singer of rock band The Bleachers, but many fans knew him for his work with Swift as a co-writer and producer on her albums 1989 (2014), Reputation (2017), Lover (2019), Folklore (2020), Evermore (2020), and Midnights (2022).

The Bergenfield, New Jersey, native worked with the pop superstar on her re-recorded albums, producing most of the From The Vault tracks that were not included on the original albums.

During his career, the musician has also worked with such other musical artists as Lorde, The 1975, St. Vincent, Lana Del Rey, Florence and the Machine, Fifth Harmony, The chicks, Carly Rae Jepsen, Clairo, Tegan and Sara and Kevin Abstract, among others.

Trump Halts All Trade With Spain, Labeling It a ‘Terrible NATO Partner

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In a decisive move, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered his Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, to completely halt all trade operations with Spain. This action was prompted by Trump’s discontent with Spain’s blatant disregard for the NATO alliance and his belief that they have been “terrible” allies.

President Trump made the announcement to suspend trade with Spain during discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the alliance’s summit in Ankara, Turkey on Wednesday. Trump has long prioritized revitalizing NATO by encouraging its European members to adopt a stronger stance against aggression in the Euro-Atlantic region. During the summit, Trump reiterated his demand for improved performance from member countries, emphasizing that their current efforts remain insufficient.

In addition to revealing the end of the ceasefire with Iran following Tehran’s untrustworthy behavior, Trump also criticized Denmark for its stance on Iceland. However, he reserved his strongest words for Spain, declaring an end to tolerance for what he termed as Spain’s poor commitment to NATO. Spain, under a socialist government, was described by Trump as the least performing major NATO member, reluctant to move away from extensive welfare policies in favor of adequate defense spending.

Trump pointed out that Spain not only resisted NATO’s defense spending target of five percent of GDP, insisting that adhering to a now outdated two percent was sufficient, but also completely refused to support the U.S. in its conflict with Iran. President Trump, addressing Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent during the NATO summit, stated emphatically, “We don’t have to trade with them, and I don’t want any more trade with Spain… implement it immediately, don’t even negotiate with them. They are hopeless, unreliable people.”

Bessent acknowledged the directive with a “yes sir,” while Trump expressed his confidence that Spain would ultimately seek to restore trade relations, predicting they would “come running back.”

Explaining his rationale, President Trump said “Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate, they don’t pay… they’re open about it, they’re hostile”. He said the Spanish treated alliance boss Mark Rutte, the former Dutch Prime Minister turned NATO leader who is called a “Trump whisperer” in Brussels for his unfailing ability to keep on the President’s good side, “terribly”.

It isn’t yet clear what form a block on trade will take, and President Trump has threatened to block Spain in the past over their attitude towards the Western alliance. European figures were quick to kick back at the remarks, insisting that, actually, the U.S. can’t block trade with Spain and even if it wanted to, would do more harm to itself in trying.

A spokesman for the European Union called on Washington to “honour its commitments” while Spain insisted it can’t be singled out for an embargo because it’s a member of the Single Market — a questionable assertion at best assuming everyone else in the world has as much belief in the European Union as Brussels does — and . The Spanish spokesman said, reports The Guardian, that they have “no intention” of changing anything of their relationship with the U.S..

They are reported to have said: “…the US has a trade surplus with Spain (meaning it benefits more from this relationship than we do)… the bilateral relationship between the US and Spain is beneficial for both countries”.

While it is certainly true the U.S. exports more to Spain than it imports, it does not necessarily follow that America has most to lose from any temporary suspension in trade. A large proportion of Spain’s imports — skewing the balance of trade — is American energy in the form of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), with buys up a fifth in the past year alone. The United States accounts for a third of all of Spain’s gas imports.

In a country with better energy security this would not matter as much, but Spain has recently demonstrated its extreme instability with a massive power cut starting in their territory taking out electricity to a whole corner of Europe.

Hamas Announces Withdrawal: Impact on Gaza and the Challenges Ahead

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Hamas has announced it will end nearly 20 years of civilian governance in Gaza, signifying a major political shift as delicate ceasefire discussions are underway.

The organization stated it has dismantled the governing body that has controlled the territory since 2007. This decision paves the way for a US-endorsed Palestinian technocratic committee to assume the administration of civilian matters as part of a ceasefire plan negotiated by US President Donald Trump.

However, analysts speaking to SBS News highlighted that this move does not address the central challenge to achieving a ceasefire. Hamas remains unwilling to disarm without Israel halting its military actions.

From Israel’s perspective, a lasting agreement hinges on the complete disarmament of Hamas and the total demilitarization of Gaza.

As Gaza continues to suffer from ongoing violence and disruption, Hamas’ promises may provide limited reassurance to the civilians who continue to hope for peace.

What happens now?

Hamas in its entirety is listed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union and seven other countries, including Australia. But the UN Assembly rejected classifying Hamas as a terrorist group in a 2018 vote.

Hamas has governed Gaza since it seized control from rival Palestinian faction Fatah in 2007 after winning legislative elections the previous year.

The group said on Monday it had dissolved its Government Emergency Committee to facilitate the transfer of administrative responsibilities to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a 15-member technocratic body based in Cairo.

Hamas said government ministries and civil servants would remain in place. It also said it would continue to oversee security and policing in parts of Gaza still under its control.

NCAG chair Ali Shaath said the committee was ready to assume its responsibilities once the necessary resources and conditions were in place. He said its success depended on “one authority, one law and one weapon” under a single governing body.

The Trump-appointed Board of Peace, which oversees the post-war plan, said it would judge progress by “actions, not promises”.

Two middle aged men stand behind a worn wooden podium. One is dressed in a dark blue shirt, the other in a white shirt. The man in the white shirt is speaking into a microphone on the podium.

It also reiterated that all weapons must eventually come under NCAG control in line with the Comprehensive Gaza Peace Plan and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.

But some analysts have questioned whether the announcement would lead to meaningful change.

What does this mean for Gaza?

Mkhaimar Abusada, a political expert from Gaza, told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency that Hamas’ move was a “symbolic gesture”.

He explained that whether Hamas steps aside is less important to the peace process than the question of the group retaining its weapons.

“Hamas has not agreed to disarming itself, and that is still the sticking point,” he said.

Ian Parmeter, a Middle East expert at the ANU Centre of Arab and Islamic Studies, said there’s “little to no chance” of Hamas disarming, undermining efforts for peace and a gradual rebuild of the war-torn region.

“Israel is determined that nothing will happen in terms of reconstruction of Gaza as a whole until Hamas gives up its weapons,” he said.

Even if Hamas does take large steps at disarming soon, Israel’s response will be overshadowed by its upcoming election, which will be front of mind for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Netanyahu will want to go to that election showing that he is in complete security control of Israel’s borders,” Parmeter said.

“I think it’s most unlikely that anything substantial is going to happen in Gaza in the lead-up, particularly since the election will be held around about the third anniversary of the attacks of October the 7th, 2023, when some 1,200 people were killed.”

In the meantime, Palestinians are living in “appalling conditions”, Parmeter said, with many of the some two million people there living in temporary shelters and tents.

Violence continues

The second phase of the ceasefire, which includes Hamas’ disarmament and a gradual Israeli military withdrawal, has been stalled for months.

Israeli forces have instead expanded their presence and effectively now control more than 60 per cent of Gaza as violence continues across the region despite the October ceasefire.

An independent UN commission alleges Israeli forces have also continued to deliberately target Palestinian children during the ceasefire alongside the targeting of healthcare and education facilities and restricting the flow of aid. Israel rejected the report’s findings, calling it “propaganda”.

For some residents in Gaza City, the recent announcement offers little hope, with one local describing Hamas’ pledge as “empty words”.

“Hamas remains in its place in Gaza and controls everything: the crossings, the ministries, the security. They only change faces, but they insist on remaining in power at any cost, even if the entire population dies,” Hussam Majed told AFP.

Health officials said Israeli strikes on Monday killed five Palestinians, including a couple in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said one strike killed Hamas commander Fadi Ashour Daghmash and said its operations since the ceasefire have targeted militant threats. Hamas has accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and failing to carry out agreed withdrawals.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 1,072 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect. The Israeli military says five soldiers and one civilian contractor have also been killed during the same period.

— With additional reporting by Agence France-Presse.


Manhattan Building Secured, Allowing Partial Lifting of Evacuations Amid Collapse Concerns

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Earlier fears of collapse in a 37-story Manhattan high-rise led to extensive evacuations in one of New York City’s bustling areas, but the situation was contained by late Tuesday. This stabilization allowed authorities to relax some of the evacuation mandates.

Authorities stated that residents were permitted to return to several of the initially evacuated buildings post-inspection, which confirmed there was no further instability in the compromised structure.

“Our continuous surveillance of the building shows no trace of movement,” reported Ahmed Tigani, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, during an evening briefing on Tuesday.

The ordeal unfolded Tuesday morning when workers noticed the instability of structural columns inside the old Pfizer headquarters. The 1970s office tower is undergoing renovation to become over 1,600 opulent residential units.

A view of the building that triggered emergency inspections and evacuations in Midtown Manhattan

The unstable building at 235 East 42nd Street on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Firefighters responded around 8 a.m., prompting the evacuation of nearby buildings, including a school, diplomatic offices and hotels in the bustling Midtown corridor near Grand Central Terminal.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the situation “extremely serious” as engineers conducted floor-by-floor inspections of the building.

By Tuesday evening, contractors had begun shoring up the damaged area after city officials determined the damaged columns were no longer shifting, though repair work is expected to continue and could disrupt the surrounding area.

Police officer wrapping caution tape around pole and street

An NYPD officer puts up caution tape near East 41st Street after buildings in the area were evacuated, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

Fire Chief John Esposito said officials were concerned about the possibility of a localized structural failure rather than the entire steel-framed building collapsing. A visibly bent column on the 21st floor, along with cracks and sagging floors, prompted the extensive precautionary response.

Nathan Berman, founder of developer MetroLoft, told The Wall Street Journal that additional weight from the project’s upper-floor expansion likely contributed to the damage, though he insisted the building itself remains structurally sound.

“Ninety-five percent of the building, the structure is sound and intact,” Berman told the newspaper. “There is no way that this corner of a small extension all of a sudden topples this building.”

Berman added that investigators are still trying to determine why the two columns buckled.

Blue Origin Targets $10 Billion in First External Fundraising Round, Reports Indicate

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Jeff Bezos’s aerospace venture, Blue Origin, is reportedly embarking on a significant fundraising initiative worth $10 billion. This effort values the rocket company at a staggering $130 billion, coming right after the groundbreaking IPO of Elon Musk’s SpaceX last month.

According to a report from DealBook, this financial move would diversify Blue Origin’s investments beyond Bezos’s substantial resources, allowing him to lessen his reliance on Amazon stock sales to fund the high-cost enterprise.

The financing plan, which has already attracted prominent investors, highlights a growing interest in bolstering the space sector beyond SpaceX. Musk’s company recently secured a large influx of capital following its successful public offering.

Blue Origin is renowned for its rocket manufacturing and launch services, catering to both commercial satellite operators and NASA. The company is also actively collaborating with the space agency on the development of a lunar lander.

As reported by DealBook, the round is expected to be spearheaded by Coatue, a leading asset management firm, with a substantial investment of $4 billion.

Bezos’ family office is already a major investor in Coatue’s Innovative Strategies Fund, which focuses on emerging technology startups.

Bezos is expected to put another $2 billion into Blue Origin, while the remaining $4 billion is anticipated to come from large institutional investors.

The Amazon founder hinted at the fundraising effort in May.

“We finally have enough visibility into our future and our financial success,” Bezos told CNBC. “It’s a good time actually to start thinking about the future and bring on some other outside investors.”

Outside capital would give Blue Origin a formal market valuation, making it easier to attract future investors and capital. 

Bezos previously said he believes Blue Origin could one day be worth more than Amazon. 

But recent months have seen some setbacks for the company.

One of its rockets blew up on a Florida launch pad in May. While there were no reported injuries, the explosion cost Bezos about $150 million.

Prior to that, Blue Origin blasted a customer’s satellite into the wrong orbit. The April incident sent the client company’s stock tumbling.

Still, Bezos’ space firm has big investments on the horizon.

Blue Origin could spend nearly $5 billion this year alone after investing roughly $28 billion since its founding in 2000, analysts told the Financial Times in May.

The company is still chasing SpaceX, which raised more than $85 billion in its IPO that valued the rocket and AI giant at $1.77 trillion. SpaceX is now worth nearly $2 trillion, despite its shares having slipped since going public.

Boden Founder’s Daughter Faces Unexpected Wedding Cake Chaos

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For Johnnie Boden, the vibrant creator of the esteemed British fashion brand adored by figures such as the Princess of Wales and Michelle Obama, last weekend was a joyous occasion marked by his daughter’s wedding. However, in sharing images of the event, two photos in particular captured moments that might be the stuff of nightmares for any bride-to-be.

Using the clothing company’s official Instagram account, Johnnie proudly posted 12 snapshots from his daughter Anna’s wedding to the dashing financier, Ollie Hext. Amid the charming scenes, a couple of images seemed to encapsulate a wedding caterer’s predicament.

Among the collection of photos from the festive day was one that portrayed the groom jubilantly pumping his fist after exchanging vows. Yet, the focal point for many was a picture showing the couple’s exquisitely flower-adorned cake taking a dramatic fall, destined to become what many might call a literal dog’s dinner.

In this particular image, both Ollie and Anna, at the age of 31, are depicted standing in a doorway, gazing in shock from the top of rustic stone steps. The cause of their alarm lies below, where two catering staff members appear to lose their grip on the elaborate three-tier wedding cake, helplessly watching as it crashes to the ground.

Oh crumbs! Anna Boden and her new husband Ollie Hext appeared to suffer a wedding cake disaster judging by images shared following their wedding this weekend

Oh crumbs! Judging by images shared after their weekend wedding, Anna Boden and her new husband Ollie Hext encountered what looked like a wedding cake catastrophe.

The aftermath: A photo of the three-tiered cake lying on the grass was also posted, with the family's terrier apparently enjoying the catering mishap

The aftermath: A photo of the three-tiered cake lying on the grass was also posted, with the family’s terrier apparently enjoying the catering mishap

A follow-up shot confirms the cake’s fate, showing it spectacularly deconstructed on the grass, with the family’s cute terrier already enjoying the icing. An empty bottle of champagne lies discarded close by. 

While it’s not clear whether a replacement cake was found, the wedding day disaster certainly doesn’t appear to have ruined the wedding of Anna, who teaches science in a west London school, and her wealth manager beau. 

The wedding reception is believed to have taken place at the Boden family’s 500-acre country estate in Dorset, where the couple have resided for much of the time since buying it in 2005. Mr Hext’s family also hail from the southwest. 

Former Etonian, Boden, 65, captioned the photographs with an emotive post about the marriage of the eldest of his three daughters.

He wrote: ‘My daughter Anna’s wedding to her new husband Ollie was a wonderful celebration… Lots of joyful tears were shed, not least by me.’

The groom punching the air after the couple said 'I do'

The groom punching the air after the couple said ‘I do’ 

The Boden entrepreneur, who founded the brand in 1991, changed out of his morning suit in favour of a colourful pink-and-red candy-cane striped suit, paired with Adidas trainers

The Boden entrepreneur, who founded the brand in 1991, changed out of his morning suit in favour of a colourful pink-and-red candy-cane striped suit, paired with Adidas trainers

The bride wore an elegant fitted satin bridal gown with sheer puffed sleeves, with her hair teased back from her face and held in place by a tiara and flowing veil.  

Her father, meanwhile, swapped the morning suit he wore to walk his daughter down the aisle for an ensemble that reflected the characterful entrepreneur’s more playful side.  

The 65-year-old is seen sporting a candy-cane striped suit in on-trend pink and red in one of the photos, paired with Adidas trainers. 

The caterers who let the wedding cake slip from their grasp were also wearing aprons cut in the same fabric – as were the couple’s young bridesmaids.

Bags in the same striped material are currently being promoted by the company in a different Instagram post.   

The Daily Mail has contacted Boden for comment.  

The British company started life as a mail-order start-up, but has since become a global brand and made a fortune for the man who started it. 

Boden founded the clothing company in 1991, after ditching his career as a stockbroker in favour of the world of fashion.

In the decades since, the company has become a go-to for busy middle-income women, with plenty of famous faces big fans of Boden’s ability to put stylish, well-made, no-fuss styling front and centre of its collections.

Last year, the company opened its first physical store on US shores, in Alpharetta, Georgia. 

Michelle Obama, Holly Willoughby, Samantha Cameron and Helena Christensen have all been spotted wearing garments by Boden in recent years, with Kate Middleton also a certified admirer of the brand’s clothes.  

 

Wreckage of Downed Cargo Plane Discovered off Pakistan’s Coast as Search Efforts Persist for Five Crew Members

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ISLAMABAD — On Wednesday, teams of civilian and military searchers scouring the coast of Pakistan discovered and recovered the wreckage of a cargo aircraft that vanished as it neared Karachi’s southern port. Officials indicated that the search persists for five crew members who remain unaccounted for.

Operated by K2 Airways, a private airline, the aircraft took off from Sharjah in the UAE and encountered a navigational system malfunction before losing communication with air traffic controllers late Tuesday.

The Pakistani navy, along with civilian teams, discovered the crashed plane in the Arabian Sea after an extensive 12-hour search, as shared by Pakistan’s Airports Authority on X. The ongoing operation focuses on locating the five individuals missing from the aircraft.

Three officials involved in the operation, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive matter, noted that the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea and severe monsoon conditions present formidable obstacles to the rescue efforts.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the families of the five crew members, as per a statement from his office, and instructed the government to utilize all available resources to bolster the search mission.

In a statement, K2 Airways identified the missing crew as Capt. Muhammad Rizwan Idris, First Officer Faisal Jatoi, flight engineers Muhammad Hamid and Muhammad Arif Siddiqui, and aircraft loader Muhammad Taufiq Khan.

“We continue to pray earnestly for the safety of our colleagues,” it said.

Pakistan’s Airports Authority said earlier on X that radar data showed the aircraft making a sharp change in heading and rapidly descending before radar and radio contact were lost at about 9:21 p.m., approximately 155 nautical miles (287 kilometers, 178 miles) west of Karachi.

Aviation expert Imran Aslam told local broadcaster ARY News late Tuesday that it remained unclear what caused the aircraft to disappear from radar. He said that even if an aircraft suffered an engine failure, it would normally continue gliding rather than plunge suddenly. He said the exact cause would become clear only after investigators gathered more evidence.

In May 2020, a Pakistan International Airlines flight carrying 98 people crashed into a densely populated neighborhood near Karachi airport while attempting to land. All but one of the 99 people on board were killed. A government investigation later concluded that human error by the pilots and air traffic controllers caused the crash.

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

Five Morning Exercises for Rapid Thigh Strength Post-60, Outpacing Gym Machines

Are your legs feeling stiff when you wake up? Discover five coach-approved exercises to rejuvenate and reinforce thigh strength for those over 60.

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The strength of your thighs can significantly influence how your day begins. When your legs feel robust and nimble, you move with greater ease and confidence, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. This sense of preparedness often continues long after you’ve stepped out the door.

While gym equipment effectively targets the thighs, exercise routines at home offer a different advantage. They demand your body to stabilize itself as you squat, shift weight, and push against the floor, cultivating a strength that seamlessly transitions into everyday activities.

When supervising lower-body workouts, one of my primary observations is identifying where exertion starts to diminish. You might notice a heel lifting slightly, a knee veering off course, or hips neglecting their role at the lowest point of a squat. Introducing simple movements using a band, a low step, or merely bodyweight can help pinpoint and rectify these issues. Once you achieve a stable form, increasing resistance or repetitions can elevate your progress substantially.

This routine focuses specifically on your thighs without requiring a lengthy setup. Approach each exercise deliberately, be patient with your progress, and allow the quality of each repetition to gradually fortify your legs over time.

Walking Lunges

Walking lunges train the thighs in ways that carry over directly into walking, climbing stairs, and getting up from the floor. Each step gives the front leg a chance to absorb your body weight, then drive you forward with strength. Your glutes and core help keep the movement organized, making this a strong full-leg exercise to open the routine. Start with shorter steps and use a wall or countertop for light support until the movement feels steady.

Muscles Trained: Quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, calves, core.

How to Do It:

  1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
  2. Step forward with one foot and lower into a controlled lunge.
  3. Keep your front heel planted and your knee tracking with your toes.
  4. Press through your front foot to stand.
  5. Step forward with the opposite leg and repeat.
  6. Continue alternating sides for the full set.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 6 to 8 reps per side. Rest for 45 to 60 seconds between sets.

Best Variations: Supported walking lunges, reverse lunges, slow-tempo walking lunges.

Form Tip: Use a shorter stride until you can stay balanced and keep your front knee moving smoothly.

Mini-Band Lateral Walk

Mini-band lateral walks strengthen the outer hips and thighs, which help keep your knees and pelvis steady when you walk, turn, or step sideways. The band adds constant tension, so your legs have to stay active even during the smaller steps. This makes it a useful complement to forward-and-back movements like lunges and step-ups. Keep the steps small enough that you can maintain tension without rocking your torso.

Muscles Trained: Glute medius, outer hips, quadriceps, glutes, core.

How to Do It:

  1. Place a light mini band above your knees or around your ankles.
  2. Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
  3. Bend your knees slightly and brace your core.
  4. Step one foot out to the side.
  5. Bring your other foot in without letting the band go slack.
  6. Continue for the full set, then repeat in the other direction.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 8 to 12 steps per direction. Rest for 30 to 45 seconds between sets.

Best Variations: Bodyweight lateral steps, ankle-band walks, slow-tempo band walks.

Form Tip: Keep your toes facing forward and hold a slight bend in your knees throughout the set.

Glute Bridge

Glute bridges strengthen the hips and hamstrings that work alongside your thighs every time you stand, climb, or walk uphill. The movement also gives your lower body a chance to generate force without placing a heavy demand on balance first thing in the morning. A strong bridge helps your legs feel more connected from the hips through the knees. Pause at the top of each rep and make the glutes do the work.

Muscles Trained: Glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, core.

How to Do It:

  1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  2. Set your feet about hip-width apart.
  3. Brace your core and press through your whole feet.
  4. Lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees.
  5. Pause briefly and squeeze your glutes.
  6. Lower your hips with control and repeat.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps. Rest for 45 seconds between sets.

Best Variations: Bridge holds, single-leg-assisted bridges, slow-tempo glute bridges.

Form Tip: Keep your ribs down as you lift so the movement comes from your hips.

5 Chair Exercises That Restore Shoulder Mobility Faster Than Yoga After 55

Low Step-Up

Low step-ups build thigh strength through a pattern that shows up every time you take the stairs or step onto a curb. The leg on the step has to create the lift, while the hips and core help you stay steady as you come up. A low platform gives you plenty of room to focus on good knee position and smooth control. Use the bottom stair or another stable surface, never a chair.

Muscles Trained: Quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, calves, core.

How to Do It:

  1. Stand facing a low, sturdy step or bottom stair.
  2. Place your whole right foot on the step.
  3. Brace your core and keep your chest tall.
  4. Press through your right foot to stand on the step.
  5. Step back down with control.
  6. Complete all reps, then switch sides.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps per side. Rest for 45 to 60 seconds between sets.

Best Variations: Assisted low step-ups, low step-downs, slow-tempo step-ups.

Form Tip: Let the leg on the step create the lift and use the trailing foot only for light balance support.

Mini-Band Glute Bridge

The mini-band glute bridge adds extra work for the outer hips and thighs while you build strength through the glutes and hamstrings. Applying gentle pressure against the band prompts your legs to maintain a strong position from start to finish. That added hip control supports cleaner knee alignment during walking lunges, step-ups, and everyday movement. Use a light band at first to keep the bridge smooth and steady.

Muscles Trained: Glutes, hamstrings, outer hips, quadriceps, core.

How to Do It:

  1. Place a light mini band above your knees.
  2. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  3. Set your feet hip-width apart and press lightly out against the band.
  4. Brace your core and press through your feet.
  5. Lift your hips into a bridge while keeping tension on the band.
  6. Lower with control and repeat.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps. Rest for 45 seconds between sets.

Best Variations: Banded bridge holds, banded bridge pulses, slow-tempo mini-band glute bridges.

Form Tip: Keep steady tension on the band without forcing your knees excessively wide.

5 Daily Exercises That Firm Tummy Roll Faster Than Gym Sessions After 55

How to Use This Morning Thigh-Strength Routine After 60

Use these exercises two to three mornings per week. Complete one set of each move in order, rest for 60 to 90 seconds after the final exercise, then repeat for two to three total rounds.

  • Start with steady reps: Your first week should feel controlled from beginning to end.
  • Add difficulty gradually: Build by adding a few reps, using a slightly stronger band, or reducing the support you use during lunges and step-ups.
  • Keep the step height low: A lower step gives your thighs plenty of work while making it easier to maintain good control.
  • Walk after the session when you can: A comfortable 10 to 15-minute walk gives your legs a chance to use the strength you just trained.
  • Let soreness guide your schedule: Mild muscle fatigue is normal. Give your legs an extra day between sessions when they still feel heavily worked.

A short morning strength session can create a useful rhythm for your legs. Keep the movements clean, progress patiently, and your thighs can build the strength that makes the rest of your day feel more capable.

References

  • Steves, Claire J et al. “Kicking Back Cognitive Ageing: Leg Power Predicts Cognitive Ageing after Ten Years in Older Female Twins.” Gerontology vol. 62,2 (2016): 138-49. doi:10.1159/000441029
  • Schumacher LM, Thomas JG, Raynor HA, Rhodes RE, Bond DS. Consistent Morning Exercise May Be Beneficial for Individuals With Obesity. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2020 Oct;48(4):201-208. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000226. PMID: 32658039; PMCID: PMC7492403.
  • Zolfaghari S, Hafid A, Abdullah S, Kristoffersson A, Folke M. Evaluating muscle aging during relaxed standing, squats and lunges through electrical bioimpedance. Sci Rep. 2025 Nov 10;15(1):39359. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-27187-3. PMID: 41214249; PMCID: PMC12603303.

Maryland Police Find Weapons and Surprising Animals After Assault Call

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A recent arrest in Maryland revealed a bizarre range of discoveries, as deputies took a landlord into custody for allegedly threatening his tenants with a firearm. During the arrest, they uncovered an alligator, a caiman, a snake, an emu, and six handguns on the property, according to local authorities.

The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Sir Leander Evans Gamble of Waldorf, was taken into custody on July 3. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were responding to a call about an assault involving a weapon at a property on Penjack Place at the time.

Investigators allege that Gamble confronted three tenants renting a trailer on his land, physically assaulted them, and later returned with a handgun from his house. He is accused of pointing the gun at the victims and issuing threats before officers arrived and arrested him at the location.

Sir Leander Evans Gamble in a mugshot

The charges against Sir Leander Evans Gamble, 57, from Waldorf, Maryland, include aggravated assault. (Charles County Sheriff’s Office)

The individuals involved were identified by police as a woman, her 28-year-old son, and his girlfriend, who was eight months pregnant during the ordeal, as reported by FOX5 DC. The woman shared her story with the station, noting the emotional trauma and financial burden the incident has caused her.

Authorities executed a search warrant at Gamble’s residence and recovered six handguns, the sheriff’s office said.

American Alligator skims water in Everglades

An alligator, like the one pictured above, was found during the investigation, according to authorities. (iStock)

The investigation took another turn when Charles County Animal Control officers responding to the scene found multiple animals allegedly being kept in neglectful conditions, including an alligator, a caiman, a snake, an emu, dogs, cats and pigs.

“Charles County Animal Control officers determined the animals were being kept in conditions that did not comply with Maryland animal cruelty statutes,” Jennifer L. Harris, chief of media services for the Charles County Government, said in a statement to the outlet.

All the animals were removed from the property, Harris said, adding that Animal Control’s investigation into their welfare remains active.

An emu walking

An emu, like the one pictured above, was found at the property during the investigation, authorities said. (Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union via Reuters, File)

The renters also alleged that a dog named Carter died after Gamble failed to provide air conditioning in the trailer, according to FOX 5. Animal Control has not confirmed the dog’s cause of death.

Gamble was charged with aggravated assault, and authorities said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues. He was being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center.

Surprising Cost of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding Permit Uncovered

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Welcome to New York! The city’s warm welcome comes with an impressive price tag — a whopping $60,000.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce reportedly spent this hefty sum securing a city permit for their wedding day festivities, as revealed by TMZ.

Sources from law enforcement shared with the outlet that the couple, both aged 36, paid for the privilege of closing 7th Avenue at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan last Friday.

The strategic closure aimed to provide their over 1,000 guests a traffic-free path to their glamorous, star-studded celebration.

Further corroboration came in June when City Hall confirmed to The Post that Winick Productions submitted a permit application to the city’s Street Activity Permit Office, covering the dates from July 2 to July 4.

The permit requested street closures around MSG and for a tent to be set up outside the iconic arena.

Swift and Kelce, notably, hosted an intimate rehearsal dinner at the venue on July 2 — and their nuptials the following evening were scheduled to last long past midnight.

Sure enough, A-listers were photographed leaving the reception as late as 1 a.m. in the early hours of the Fourth of July.

While the total cost of Swift and Kelce’s lavish wedding remains unknown at this time, TMZ previously reported that the police presence cost six figures alone.


Here’s the latest on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding at MSG:


MSG itself has made headlines for likely putting the couple back $1 million each day.

The newlyweds spent thousands on pizza alone, according to Us Weekly, and treated attendees to “unlimited food” and “loads of cakes,” according to guest Greg James.

Additionally, the reception featured games to play for tickets to participate in a high-end raffle.

The extravagant prizes included a Chanel handbag, won by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill’s wife, and Cartier watches, among other designer duds.

Swift is a billionaire, with the Grammy winner named the richest female musician in 2024.

As for Kelce, whom the songwriter got engaged to in August 2025, the athlete is worth an estimated $47.3 million, per Forbes.

Swift and the tight end have been together since the summer of 2023.