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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina lawmakers began an in-depth review Monday of a proposal to reconfigure the state’s congressional districts. This discussion could evolve into an extensive debate over whether to align with President Donald Trump’s aim for a Republican-dominated U.S. House map.
States like Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana have already witnessed heated exchanges as Republicans strive to capitalize on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that minimized the Voting Rights Act’s protections for minority districts. This ruling has allowed Republicans to consider redrawing districts with significant Black populations that traditionally support Democrats.
However, in South Carolina, some Republicans express hesitation about redrawing the district of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, the state’s sole Democratic representative among its seven in the U.S. House.
State Rep. Nathan Ballentine pointed out that Clyburn’s presence in Congress has likely brought more federal projects and funding to South Carolina. He noted that when asked, more than half of consistently voting Republicans—those who participated in at least four recent GOP primaries—opposed the redistricting plan.
“My mama raised me to know that just because you can, doesn’t mean you should,” Ballentine remarked.
Clyburn has said he has no intention of retiring, even if his district gets changed.
Redistricting ripples spreading through states
Last month’s Supreme Court decision striking down a Black-majority congressional district in Louisiana has led to reversals in several other redistricting cases. On Monday, the Supreme Court vacated lower court decisions on state legislative districts in Mississippi and North Dakota and directed them to be reconsidered in light of the Louisiana ruling.
It took a similar action last week for Alabama’s congressional districts, creating an opening for Republican state officials to try to use a map in the midterm elections that could help the party win an additional seat.
Redistricting typically occurs at the start of each decade, based on new population figures from the census.
South Carolina’s debate showed the complexity of changing congressional district boundaries mid-decade. An amendment adopted Monday would allow dozens of state board members chosen by congressional districts — including college trustees, utility regulators and parole board members — to stay in their positions until after the 2030 census, even under the new congressional map.
Democratic state Rep. Annie McDaniel said it was an example of how congressional redistricting outside normal procedures causes other problems.
“We’re talking confusion on top of confusion on top of confusion,” McDaniel said.
Monday’s session ended with Republicans voting nearly unanimously to limit debate. Each House member will be allowed one amendment and just three minutes to advocate for their change to the bill. There were over 600 amendments on the desk when the change was made.
Democratic Rep. Spencer Wetmore said she doesn’t know of any other time that the House has limited the number of amendments filed.
“We’re changing the rules in the middle of the game,” Wetmore said.
South Carolina looks at changing congressional primaries
Some absentee and overseas military votes have already been cast for South Carolina’s June 9 primaries. Early in-person voting is scheduled to begin May 26.
In addition to redrawing congressional districts, legislation pending in the state House would move the U.S. House primaries to August. If it clears the House, the legislation then must go to the Senate.
Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who called lawmakers into a special session on redistricting, said it is important for South Carolina to send as many Republicans to Washington as possible to try to prevent Democrats from taking control of the House and attempting to impeach Trump.
But some Republicans have expressed concern that an attempt to draw a 7-0 House map for the party could spread Republican voters too thin, making some current Republican-held districts susceptible to Democratic victories.
Republicans are ahead in the national redistricting battle thus far. Since Trump urged Texas Republicans to redistrict last year, Republicans think they could gain as many as 15 seats from new House maps in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama. Democrats, meanwhile, think they could gain six seats from new maps in California and Utah. But litigation is ongoing in some states, and voters will have the final say on who wins.
A coalition of journalists, podcasters, and voice actors in Illinois has filed lawsuits against several prominent technology firms, accusing them of unauthorized use of voice data to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The legal actions claim that these companies have infringed upon the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by collecting and utilizing voice recordings without obtaining proper consent.
CHICAGO (WLS) — Residents of Chicago have just a few days remaining to catch the debut of “Fault” at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Directed by Jason Alexander, best known for his role on “Seinfeld,” the play delves into a narrative woven with desire and betrayal, examining who has the courage to confront the reasons behind it.
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The ensemble shared with ABC7’s Hosea Sanders their insights into this gripping dark comedy. The plot centers around a long-married couple, who are compelled to face the realities of unfaithfulness.
Chicago’s own Rebecca Spence embraces her role in the production with enthusiasm.
“It’s a deep dive into the lives of people who care for each other and have pledged their commitment, yet still have room for personal growth,” Spence explained. “The play challenges the audience to reflect on their own relationships and provides a chance to explore these themes with loved ones. The Chicago theater scene is phenomenal, marked by its close-knit, supportive nature and a strong work ethic that we all take pride in.”
Enrico Colantoni plays the husband, quick to assign blame.
When asked what appealed to Colantoni about this story, he said, “The humor of it. It’s hysterically funny. It has elements of farce. It has a lot of heart, a lot of soul. Let’s laugh about the miracle of any relationship, the miracle of anybody coming together and surviving, no matter how they do it.”
Nick Marini plays the young man looking for love in dangerous places.
“It is an education every day as an actor to get to work with people you look up to, to get to work with people whose work you appreciate,” Marini said. “I’m thrilled to be in Chicago. It’s a great town. It welcomed me for my first television show. To be here again for my first big theater it feels like a full-circle moment.”
Marini also spoke about directed by Alexander.
“He’s a real mentor to me. Just to watch the way that he treats others on set or at the theater, I learned a lot about leadership and kindness,” Marini said.
Spence added, “To be able to learn about pace and time and comedy from an icon like him, you don’t say no to that.”
“You’re in for a really fun ride. Once we get going, we never really stop. It’s funny. It’s moving at times. It tackles things that are important, and it does it in a way that’s witty and fun,” Marini said.
“Fault” is at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier through Sunday.
A courageous young boy from Alabama, battling a rare and aggressive bone cancer, has just concluded his second week of groundbreaking experimental treatment. His journey into the public eye began with a moving video, secretly uploaded to his mother’s Facebook account, which quickly went viral and drew attention from high-profile figures such as President Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Dr. Mehmet Oz.
At just fifteen, Will Roberts took to social media on April 22, at a pivotal moment in his 16-month struggle with stage 4 osteosarcoma. By then, the relentless cancer had spread throughout his body, ultimately resulting in the amputation of his leg.
In an emotional and direct appeal, Will sought assistance in obtaining DeltaRex-G, an elusive experimental gene therapy he believed might be his final hope after conventional treatments and numerous surgeries had failed to halt the cancer’s advance.
Will’s family shared that his intent in making the video went beyond his own needs; he aimed to alleviate some of the stress on his mother and to raise awareness for other children who find themselves in similar situations, even if the treatment could not save him.
“Hey, this is Will, and my mom doesn’t know I’m doing this,” Will stated in his heartfelt Facebook post. “Y’all please share this. My mom might be mad, but I’m trying to help her in any way I can right now. I need this to reach President Donald Trump or Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. So if anyone knows these two, please help me out and get in touch with my mom.”
After the video went viral, Will and his parents relocated to Santa Monica, California, in early May after he was granted access to the experimental treatment.
“We’ve had two doctors look well in the face and tell him that they’ve never had a survivor at his stage,” Jason Roberts, Will’s father, told Fox News Digital in an interview. “That was enough for me and Brittney to get on the ball and, you know, try to find an alternative treatment.”
Will was first diagnosed with the rare pediatric bone cancer in January 2025 after experiencing severe leg pain that was initially dismissed as growing pains.
After his leg was amputated, doctors reportedly discovered that the cancer had aggressively spread to his bladder, leading to a massive pelvic surgery.
Two doctors eventually told them they had never seen a survivor at Will’s advanced stage, the family said.
Because traditional chemotherapy offered little hope — and with osteosarcoma therapies having remained largely unchanged for decades — the family said they became determined to explore alternative options.
They eventually discovered DeltaRex-G, an experimental tumor-targeted gene therapy that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce one batch, the family said.
According to data from Clinics in Oncology, the therapy has shown relatively mild side effects and has been fast-tracked in countries such as the Philippines.
However, such treatment has faced significant hurdles in the U.S., where it has yet to complete the FDA approval process and remains difficult to access due to limited availability and long waiting lists.
“I don’t care if they have to remove mama from the White House steps, I’m going to make sure that our plea gets heard,” Brittney, Will’s mother, said. “At that point, we joked and said he got scared his mom was going to be toted off in a straitjacket somewhere. So he made the video.”
After Brittney joked about the lengths she would go to secure access to the drug, she said her son decided to take matters into his own hands.
Will, who had access to his mother’s Facebook account to read supportive messages from followers, secretly recorded and posted his own video plea.
Will Roberts sits with family in clinic in Santa Monica, California(Brittney Battles Roberts/Facebook)
The video quickly gained national traction, helping raise more than $700,000 in GoFundMe donations and drawing support from several high-profile figures.
“President Trump, Dr. Oz, RFK Jr., I mean, there’s been so many people, Katie Britt, have truly helped us push this,” Jason said.
On May 11, Trump sent the Roberts family a surprising video message in which he expressed support for the family.
Dr. Mehmet Oz and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also worked to help the family gain access to DeltaRex-G, coordinating with California developers of the drug to expedite its availability under federal “Right to Try” protocols.
Since starting the treatment two weeks ago alongside a dual chemotherapy regimen, Will said he has experienced only mild side effects, including body aches.
While Will’s viral social media plea helped the family overcome major financial and bureaucratic hurdles, his parents said the video was ultimately motivated by his desire to help other children gain access to more promising alternative therapies.
“It was nothing more than a child’s pure heart speaking out, but as I said earlier, I think the reason that it went viral is because of his selflessness in the video. And he was like, you know, it might be too late for me, but if it can help others, I want to help others,” Jason said.
“We just hope and pray that the bureaucracy and the red tape can be cut through to where a drug with true promise can reach the American people without all the stuff that gets involved.”
The Roberts family also attributed their endurance and success to their strong faith, believing God helped move mountains to get Will opportunities.
“You know, without God, I don’t think any of this would be possible. In fact, I know it would not be possible because we’ve seen mountains moved along this journey,” Jason added.
Bonny Chu is a Digital Production Assistant at Fox News Digital.
Authorities report that a man came dangerously close to colliding with triathlon participants several times during the race’s Five Points segment, necessitating the use of a PIT maneuver to bring him to a halt.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Saturday, a Jacksonville resident was taken into custody after allegedly driving under the influence and endangering competitors in the city’s first-ever Jacksonville Ironman event.
Sixty-two-year-old Darrell Simon is currently held on a bond exceeding $215,000, facing eight felony charges alongside numerous misdemeanor counts.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stated that officers stationed near the triathlon course in Five Points observed a vehicle recklessly veering into the athletes’ path around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The driver, identified as Simon, reportedly ignored commands to stop, prompting a police chase.
This story continues below.
Footage from officers’ cameras shows the car coming perilously close to participants multiple times as it raced toward Riverside Park. The pursuit concluded with a PIT maneuver, leading to Simon’s arrest. The arrest report further notes that the suspect allegedly collided with another vehicle, causing damage on Riverside Park Place.
The sheriff’s office says this is Simon’s third DUI arrest in the past 10 years. Court records show Simon is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges in early June as of this publication.
“We understand many people were not fans of the traffic delays on Saturday, but we closed lanes and roads to keep the athletes and spectators safe,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “This incident could’ve led to a tragedy and we’re grateful the officers’ quick actions stopped anyone from possibly getting hurt or killed.”
Traffic control and road closure awareness were an issue throughout the event, and two bicyclists were involved in collisions with vehicles, according to a Jacksonville Fire and Rescue spokesperson. No life-threatening injuries were reported in connection with those crashes, which both happened in St. Johns County.
Federal law is meant to prevent such scenarios, and even California Governor Gavin Newsom has labeled them as unjust. Nonetheless, this past Saturday witnessed an unusual development at the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Sectionals competition.
At the event, AB Hernandez, a male athlete, took the top spots in the girls’ high jump, triple jump, and long jump categories. His impressive performances are likely to secure him a position at the state championships scheduled for later this month.
The CIF made the decision to allow the top-ranking female athletes in each event to share the podium with Hernandez. This move subtly acknowledges two undeniable truths: Hernandez is male, and the female athletes have faced an unfair competitive environment for years as a result.
This situation has led to a growing list of female athletes who have been displaced in competitions, a reality that has become all too familiar.
The list of displaced girls is so long at this point that we’ve stopped flinching.
High jumper Reese Hogan is one of them; she’s been forced off the podium’s top spot by Hernandez over and over again.
“It’s just really disappointing to go into a competition knowing you already lost,” Hogan has said.
Everyone knows men and women are different.
Everyone knows women’s sports exist because males are, on average, faster, stronger and possess greater physical advantages in nearly every athletic domain.
Those are simple truths — but the truth is we’re not yet winning.
We’ve had major successes: In 2025, President Donald Trump’s executive order directed federal agencies to protect women’s sports by recognizing biological sex.
The International Olympic Committee has announced new rules safeguarding women’s events at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Many states, 27 currently, now have protective laws.
Polls show roughly 80% of Americans believe the women’s category should be for women only.
But despite this reality, 23 states still allow gender identity to override biological sex.
Boys continue to take titles, scholarships, records and opportunities from female athletes.
California’s Hernandez is just one example; it’s happening in pools, on tracks and on fields nationwide.
And the silent majority bears responsibility.
Brave girls are left to forfeit competitions, speak out at school board meetings and file lawsuits, while the 80% who agree with them stand by mute.
Children are carrying a burden adults should shoulder — but won’t.
Why? Fear of the bullying 20%.
Transgender athlete AB Hernandez competes in the girls’ high jump at the Arcadia Invitational. AP
The upcoming Supreme Court decision in Little v. Hecox, expected in June, will be telling.
A ruling for biological reality would simply allow the 27 protective states to enforce their laws; it won’t force the other 23 to change.
A “win” won’t signal progress — it will just mean we won’t slip backward.
For Reese Hogan, who must still compete against Hernandez, nothing will change.
So the fight is far from over.
Yes, all 50 states need laws protecting women’s sports.
Here in Colorado, I’m chairing a grassroots ballot initiative to do just that.
But legal protections, while essential, aren’t enough: We must also change the culture.
Currently, persistently, our institutions — the media, universities and corporate America — are both occupied by and beholden to the 20% .
Watch, for example, who the media chooses to humanize.
The Los Angeles Times gave a sympathetic platform to Hernandez’s mother, a parent determined to keep her male child competing against girls.
It hasn’t profiled Reese Hogan, or the other female athletes displaced for years.
That’s an editorial choice — one that creates the illusion of a societal consensus that doesn’t exist.
Nike reportedly imposes contract provisions on its star female athletes, barring them from speaking out about the protection of women’s sports.
Officers and coaches at universities instruct female athletes not to publicly defend their own sports; some who wanted to join our team at XX-XY Athletics have had to bow out because of it.
Advocates for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee threaten athletes that if they do speak up, they’ll risk their standing in the Olympic movement.
That’s how entrenched transgender ideology has become.
When the institutions built to protect athletes quietly punish the ones who dissent, the problem isn’t the law; it’s the culture.
The 20% is entirely comfortable running roughshod over women who dare to stand in their own defense.
Culture only changes when the pressure to change finally outweighs the comfort of doing nothing.
And women’s sports are worth saving.
They represent opportunity, fairness and the recognition that sex-based differences matter.
Teenage girls, who know the stakes better than anyone, have shown extraordinary courage — but we can’t keep placing the burden on them.
The grown-ups who have submitted to being bullied into silence must screw up their courage and join them.
Jennifer Sey is founder and CEO of XX-XY Athletics.
In a tragic incident outside a California mosque, three individuals, including a security guard, were fatally shot, followed by the apparent suicides of two teenage gunmen.
The violence erupted around 11:40 a.m. on Monday when gunfire was reported at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, during a press briefing, stated that officers arrived on the scene within four minutes and immediately discovered the victims deceased outside the mosque.
The perpetrators, identified by NBC News as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez, were later found dead in a nearby vehicle, having seemingly taken their own lives, according to police.
“Given the location of the Islamic center, we’re treating it as a potential hate crime unless proven otherwise,” Wahl said during a press conference, before handing the floor to Mark Remily, the FBI special agent in charge.
Remily said that the two shooters are ‘teenagers’, but did not provide further details. Police were at the homes of the shooters’ relatives Monday evening and were probing ‘hate rhetoric’ the shooters allegedly left behind.
Multiple people were taken to hospital after shots rang out, NBC News reported. The extent of their injuries is unknown.
A security guard and two others were shot dead after two teenage gunmen opened fire at a mosque in California on Monday
Panicked parents arrived at the scene to retrieve their children after two teenage gunman opened fire
An official at Sharp Memorial Hospital told the outlet that they have activated their disaster protocols and are continuing to wait for more patients.
The imam of the mosque confirmed that no children were injured during the shooting.
The Muslim place of worship is also home to the Al Rashid school, which was formerly known as the Islamic School of San Diego.
Kids in kindergarten through third grade attend the school.
‘The entire school is safe. All the kids, all the staff and the teachers are safe out of the Islamic Center,’ Imam Taha Hassane said in a Facebook video update.
‘We have a few casualties, not confirmed yet. There is no threat at this moment, but we want everyone to stay away from the Islamic Center of San Diego.’
Crowds of young students were seen being evacuated from the building by law enforcement officers.
Panicked parents rushed to the scene to pick up their children after police set up a reunification site at San Diego Clairemont Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
Several people were seen on the phone trying to get answers about what happened while a woman was seen crouching down outside the mosque as the terror unfolded.
Crowds of students are evacuated from the site, which is home to Al Rashid school
Aerial footage also captured a sheet covering what appeared to be a body on the ground outside the building.
Around 5pm, police said the threat ‘has been neutralized.’
‘We have significant resources on scene at this time,’ the agency added.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area, and have shut down parts of Interstate 805 near Balboa Avenue.
A shelter was also initiated for locals in the area.
Following reports of the shooting, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria issued a statement on X.
‘I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont and am continuing to receive updates from law enforcement.
‘Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.’
California Governor Gavin Newsom also acknowledged the shooting, writing: ‘We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities.’
An armed police officer outside the mosque. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) confirmed that a member of the Islamic center died in the gunfire
President Trump has also been briefed on the shooting, and condemned what he said was a ‘terrible situation.’
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) confirmed that a member of the Islamic center died.
‘To God we belong, and to God we return. We have learned from @CAIRSanDiego that at least one person was killed by a shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego today.
‘May Allah grant him the highest rank of Paradise and protect everyone from harm. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school. We are working to learn more about this incident and we encourage everyone to keep this community in your prayers.’
The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County, with around 5,000 members.
The Greek Herald is marking 100 years of serving Australia’s Greek community.
Despite changes in format, the newspaper has continued to be an important source of connection for its readers.
For a century, the presses have been alive, stories have been shared, and Australia’s Greek community has cherished the pages of their beloved newspaper.
“You need a newspaper; relying solely on TV isn’t enough,” says George Thanos. He fondly recalls reading the Greek Herald in the 1950s when he and his family settled in Australia.
“We’d go to the Greek church on weekends, and they’d hand out the paper,” he reminisces.
“The Greek Herald was incredibly helpful. It kept us informed about current events in Australia and abroad. We relied on the paper for everything from job ads to staying connected. It was an essential communication tool,” he adds.
For numerous Greek and Cypriot immigrants who arrived after the war, this newspaper was a crucial resource as they navigated learning English.
“The time when we came here, we didn’t speak much English. Only ‘yes’ and ‘no’,” Charalambos Kokotsis recalls.
“The Greek newspaper… it was one thing we read. It was something good for us.”
Charalambos Kokotsis recalls the Greek-language paper was a crucial part of settling into a new life in Australia. Source: SBS News
Decades later the community still depends on the paper, Kokotsis says, to catch up on “funerals, memorials, sports and a little bit of news”.
And it remains a ritual for many in Australia’s Greek kafenios — coffee houses — and community clubs.
Now in his 90s, Pantelis Christou still travels to Sydney’s Cyprus Club every other day.
“I come here to have a coffee, read the newspaper and see my friends,” he says.
Pantelis Christou religiously reads the sports section of the Greek Herald. Source: SBS News
The Greek Herald began in 1926 as a modest broadsheet called The Hellenic Herald, and has since grown into a national institution.
But it was not only influential in Australia.
While documenting abandoned Greek villages in the 1980s, historical researchers Leonard Janiszewski and Effy Alexakis discovered copies of the newspaper had been sent back to Greece.
For relatives back home, the paper was a powerful symbol of possibility, Janiszewski says, showing that a Greek community could thrive on the other side of the world.
Early copies of the Greek Herald were discovered in abandoned homes in Greek villages. Source: Supplied / Effy Alexakis
“What it was telling them was not just simply that there was a community here, but there was a community in which you had churches, a community where you could go to a Greek barber, you could go to a Greek shop, you could go to a Greek store,” he tells SBS News.
“And that stimulated further chain migration.”
Royal Australian Air Force Xenophon Castrisos reading the Hellenic Herald during World War II, somewhere in the Pacific. Source: Supplied
A community institution and family business
In 1971, the paper was bought by publisher Theo Skalkos, a larger-than-life media figure once described as the “Greek Murdoch”.
In a 1996 SBS interview, Skalkos joked that he and Murdoch were “like brothers”.
Under his leadership, the publication expanded dramatically, becoming the only daily Greek-language newspaper published outside Greece and Cyprus.
Printing presses have rolled every single day from 1972 onward, an extraordinary feat for an ethnic community newspaper in Australia.
Skalkos also owned several other mastheads in different languages, driving an ethnic community media empire in Australia.
Former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam photographed with the Greek Herald.
His daughter, Dimitra Skalkos, took over from him after his 40 years at the helm of the Greek Herald.
“I grew up in the printing presses,” she tells SBS News.
“There was movement, there was screaming, there was stopping printers, there was changing plates because stories would break,”
“There were strikes and and all sorts of things, but we never missed an edition.”
Dimitra Skalkos says the newspaper supports different parts of the Greek community to stay engaged with each other. Source: Supplied
She says taking over from her father following his passing in 2019, was “very overwhelming, a little bit terrifying” and that running a newspaper is “exhausting, but it’s amazing and colourful”.
Reaching younger generations
For the Greek Herald, an ability to evolve has helped it survive an era that has challenged newsrooms across the globe.
While older members of the Greek diaspora pick up physical editions at suburban newsagents, younger generations engage with it through digital stories, social media and English-language reporting.
Skalkos says young Greek Australians “want to know what their friends are doing, their successes, maybe a little bit of the scandal in the community”.
The outlet’s digital editor, Andriana Simos, says many of her peers engage with stories on the Herald’s website on social media platforms, to connect with their community and heritage.
“They’re still interested in faith. They’re still interested in learning about their identity. They’re still interested in community events,” she says.
“People connect because they’re like, ‘That’s me. I might not speak Greek, but I can still see myself reflected.’”
Members of the Greek community in Sydney’s inner west often come to cafes to read the newspaper and chat, like George Thanos (right). Source: SBS News / Alexandra Jones
Ethnic media survives
Belmore newsagent My Trieu, who has run the shop for more than 20 years, testifies to the continued relevance of community newspapers and magazines.
She continues to stock a range of multicultural publications.
Even though their readership isn’t what it once was, Trieu says they’re no less important.
“We have the Lebanese [newspaper], some from Thailand, but mostly the big one is the Greek one,” she tells SBS News.
Knowing each of her customers by name, she says “some come every day” to buy the paper.
Many also come, she says, to buy the paper for their parents or grandparents.
Owner of the Belmore Newsagency in Sydney’s inner west, My Trieu, speaks to SBS News. Source: SBS News
Emeritus professor of sociology at the University of Technology Sydney, Andrew Jakubowicz, tells SBS News multicultural media play a critical role in fostering social cohesion.
“One of the few recommendations of the [2023] multicultural framework review … that the Commonwealth government actually took up was its recommendation that there be much more work done to support ethnic media,” he says.
“It was recognised that those media in all sorts of different ways knit people into the wider social fabric.”
Jakubowicz says there is also a renewed desire among young people to connect with their heritage.
“This very strong sense that they share in a global diasporic community, whatever particular ethnicity their parents might have come from,” he says.
“And it helps them become I think a bit more like global citizens.”
For historians like Leonard Janiszewski, publications like The Greek Herald are essential not only for preserving language and culture, but for helping multicultural Australians understand one another.
“It’s showing us the diversity that exists within Australia,” he says.
“And through that diversity, we actually get unity.”
In a startling series of events, police in Texas have unveiled the mugshot of one of three juveniles apprehended over the weekend. These arrests are linked to a spree of 12 distinct shooting incidents that took place in Austin, resulting in injuries to four individuals. Alongside the mugshot release, authorities have provided a detailed timeline of the alleged 28-hour rampage.
The suspect, 17-year-old Cristian Fajardo Mondragon, was detained on Sunday. He is accused of participating in a widespread shooting spree throughout the city that resulted in four people being hurt, involved shots fired at two fire stations, and prompted a shelter-in-place order in South Austin, as confirmed by the Austin Police Department.
In addition to Mondragon, police also arrested two other suspects, aged 15 and 16. Due to state laws that protect the identities of juvenile suspects, their names have not been disclosed to the public.
The arrest of Cristian Fajardo Mondragon marks a significant development in the investigation into a crime spree involving 12 shootings that shook Austin, Texas, on May 16, 2026. According to the Austin Police Department, these events unfolded over the course of just one night.
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 11:30 a.m.
The investigation began when officers received a report of a stolen firearm from a local business. Further surveillance revealed that the vehicle used by the suspects had also been stolen recently, adding another layer to the unfolding criminal activity, as per police reports.
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 3:58 p.m.
Less than five hours later, authorities confirmed the first alleged shooting at a trailer residence. However, no injuries were reported.
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 4:30 p.m.
Officers responded to another shooting at the Whisper Hollow apartment complex, in which multiple vehicles and an occupied apartment were struck by gunfire. Witness descriptions and surveillance footage of the suspects led authorities to believe the two shootings were connected.
Surveillance footage released by Austin police shows a suspect investigators said was involved in multiple shooting incidents across Austin.(Austin Police Department)
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 6:08 p.m.
Approximately two hours later, a third shooting was reported after witnesses observed a suspect wearing a black hoodie exiting a black sedan at another apartment complex and firing through the door of a third-floor unit, police said.
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 7 p.m.
Authorities said that a group of suspects matching previous surveillance footage of the alleged shootings stole a Hyundai Elantra from a Motel 6 parking lot, with another shooting being reported just 90 minutes later.
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8:49 p.m.
Authorities said a suspect fired a gun into an Austin Fire Department station while firefighters were inside. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Austin police shared a photo of a white Kia sedan believed to be stolen in connection with 12 shootings throughout Austin, Texas, on May 16, 2026.(Austin Police Department)
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8:55 p.m.
Just six minutes later, authorities received a report that suspects matching the same description had fired shots from their vehicle and struck the windshield of an occupied car. One victim inside the vehicle was injured by broken glass, according to police.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 3:50 a.m.
Police said the suspects allegedly stole another vehicle, with authorities discovering a previous vehicle containing bullet damage abandoned near 1800 E. Stassney Lane hours later.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 8:46 a.m.
Authorities received a report regarding a victim who had been shot in the back and stomach near 7409 Janes Ranch Road by a suspect matching previous witness descriptions surrounding the alleged shootings.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis speaks during a press conference alongside city officials following a series of shootings across Austin.(Austin Police Department)
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 9 a.m.
Shortly after, officers recovered several other stolen vehicles believed to be connected to the alleged shooting spree.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10:46 a.m
A second incident involving shots being fired into another Austin Fire Department station was reported to authorities, with the suspects allegedly stealing yet another vehicle — a white Kia Optima — three hours later.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:44 p.m.
Authorities said two victims were shot in a drive-by shooting involving a white Kia Optima, with two additional shootings being reported within 20 minutes.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 2:29 p.m.
Authorities said surveillance footage showed a white Kia sedan approaching a victim before the individual fell to the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was subsequently transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 3:23 p.m.
About one hour later, officers with the Manor Police Department spotted the Kia sedan believed to be connected to the alleged shootings, prompting a pursuit in which the three suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
One suspect was immediately detained, with authorities taking the other two individuals into custody separately after a brief search.
The incidents led to the injuries of four people and five vehicles being stolen, police said.
“At this time, investigators believe the incidents were a mix of random and targeted shootings,” APD said in a statement. “Some victims were known to the suspects, while other incidents appeared to occur without any known connection.”
Davis went on to describe the investigation as “complex” because of the sheer number of crime scenes, stolen vehicles and random shootings throughout the city.
Formal charges against the three suspects remain under review, but are expected to include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault/motor vehicle, deadly conduct, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest, theft of a firearm and other related offenses, APD said.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Austin Police Department for comment.
Julia Bonavita is a U.S. Writer for Fox News Digital and a Fox Flight Team drone pilot. You can follow her at @juliabonavita13 on all platforms and send story tips to julia.bonavita@fox.com.
For those over 60, targeting belly fat is a frequent concern, and many are misled by incorrect information on how to tackle it. As a personal trainer with nearly four decades of experience and two decades teaching future fitness experts at TRAINFITNESS, I can confidently say that incorporating low-impact standing exercises along with a balanced diet can significantly help, regardless of age. These four exercises are designed to reduce stomach fat without straining your joints.
As we age, particularly past 60, we’re often contending with years of physical changes. Many individuals continue to use workout methods that were effective in their younger years but are no longer suitable.
A major factor to consider is the natural decline in muscle mass. Beginning at about 50, we tend to lose around 1% of our muscle mass annually unless we actively work to preserve it. Reduced muscle mass leads to a slower metabolism, meaning dietary habits that maintained a slim physique at 40 may lead to weight gain by 60. Many only notice these changes upon seeing a shift in their waistline.
Why Most Approaches Fail After 60
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People over 60 are working against years of accumulated changes, and they’re often using exercise approaches that worked when they were younger but no longer suit their bodies.
The first issue is muscle loss. From around the age of 50, we lose about 1% of our muscle mass each year if we’re not trying to maintain it. Less muscle means a slower metabolism, which means the same eating habits that kept us lean at 40 now contribute to fat gain at 60. Most people don’t realize this is happening until they look in the mirror and wonder when their stomach started to change.
The second issue is hormonal. After menopause for women and as testosterone declines for men, bodies become much more efficient at storing fat, especially around the midsection. This visceral fat, the deeper fat that sits around our organs, is the most stubborn type and the most concerning for long-term health.
The third issue is that older clients often try to tackle stomach fat with high-impact workouts. Exercises like burpees, jumping jacks, and mountain climbers put a massive load through joints that may already be dealing with arthritis, previous injuries, or general wear and tear. The result is often a flare-up that stops training entirely for weeks, exactly the opposite of what you need when you’re trying to build consistency.
Low-impact standing exercises solve all three problems. We build and preserve muscle mass without battering the joints. We keep the heart rate elevated long enough to start chipping away at body fat. We engage the core through stabilization rather than through hundreds of repetitions on the floor, which is much more functional and far gentler on the spine.
Why Standing Beats Crunches
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Crunches have been the go-to ab exercise for decades, but they’re genuinely one of the worst choices for most people over 60.
Crunches create repeated flexion of the spine. If you have any disc issues, osteoporosis, or simply the natural disc thinning that comes with age, that repeated forward bending is asking for trouble. Research has shown that this kind of spinal flexion under load can contribute to disc problems, and given that around half of women over 50 will experience an osteoporotic fracture, the last thing we want is to repeatedly load a flexed spine.
Crunches also primarily target the rectus abdominis, the muscle that runs down the front of the stomach. They do almost nothing for the deeper core muscles, the transverse abdominis and obliques, which are the ones actually responsible for keeping the midsection tight, supporting the lower back, and giving that flatter look around the waist.
Standing core exercises work the entire trunk as a unit. Our core has to fire to keep us upright, balanced, and stable while our arms or legs move. This is exactly how the core works in real life: when we reach for something on a shelf, carry shopping, or turn quickly to avoid bumping into someone.
There’s another benefit that gets overlooked. Standing exercises burn more calories than floor work because more of the body is working to stabilize us. We’re getting the strength benefit and a metabolic boost at the same time, which is exactly what we need for reducing stomach fat.
Standing March with Core Engagement
This exercise looks simple, but it’s working a lot of muscles at the same time. Each time we lift a knee, the standing leg has to stabilize (working the glutes and outer hip), the deep core has to fire to keep us balanced, and the hip flexor on the moving leg has to work against gravity. The fact that we’re constantly shifting weight from one leg to the other keeps the heart rate elevated, which is what we need for fat loss. It’s also brilliant for improving balance, which becomes really important as we get older.
Muscles Trained: Glutes, outer hips, hip flexors, deep core (transverse abdominis)
How to Do It:
Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides
Pull the belly button gently towards the spine to engage the deep core
Lift the right knee up towards hip height in a controlled manner
Lower the foot back down with control; don’t let it drop
Lift the left knee up to hip height
Continue alternating for the prescribed time
Add opposite arm movements (right arm forward as left knee lifts) once the basic version feels comfortable
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t let the standing leg collapse inwards; keep the knee tracking over the foot throughout
Don’t round through the upper back; keep the chest lifted and imagine being pulled up by a string from the top of the head
Don’t push through with poor form as fatigue sets in; slow the pace down rather than continuing with broken technique
Recommended Sets and Reps: 45 seconds of work per round.
Standing Wood Chop
This is a rotational movement, and rotation is something we do every single day but rarely train. The wood chop targets the obliques, the muscles on the sides of our stomach, which are responsible for that tighter waistline appearance. Because we’re using the whole body to generate the movement, we’re burning more calories than with isolation exercises, and we’re training the core in a way that translates directly to real-life movements like getting in and out of the car or putting the shopping away.
Muscles Trained: Obliques, hips, shoulders, full trunk
How to Do It:
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart
Hold a light dumbbell or a water bottle with both hands (start with 1-2kg)
Bring the weight up to the right shoulder, keeping the arms relatively straight
Pivot on the right foot as the weight comes diagonally down towards the left hip in a chopping motion
Engage the core throughout, allowing the trunk to rotate naturally
Return slowly to the starting position
Complete all reps on one side before switching
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t use only the arms to move the weight; the power should come from rotation through the trunk and hips, not from the shoulders
Don’t rush the movement; if you’re feeling it in the arms more than the stomach, slow down and let the hips and core do the work
Recommended Sets and Reps: 10 to 12 reps each side per round
Form Tip: Think of the arms as along for the ride. The hips and core drive everything.
Standing Side Bend with Reach
This targets the obliques directly while also improving the mobility of our spine, which tends to stiffen as we age. Reaching overhead lengthens the side of the body and creates a stretch through the lats and the side of the torso, then the controlled bend works the obliques on the opposite side. It’s a two-for-one exercise that improves how we look around the waist while also helping with the kind of side-to-side flexibility that makes daily movement easier.
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees soft (not locked)
Hold a light dumbbell in the right hand at your side
Reach the left arm straight up overhead
Slowly bend to the right, letting the dumbbell slide down towards the right knee
Feel the stretch through the left side and the engagement on the right side
Use the obliques to pull back to the upright position
Complete all reps on one side, then switch the weight to the left hand and repeat
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t bend forward, instead of directly to the side; imagine standing between two panes of glass with movement only possible sideways
Don’t let the chest rotate, or the shoulders drop forward; keep the chest open and the shoulders facing forward throughout the entire movement
Recommended Sets and Reps: 10 to 12 reps each side per round.
Standing Knee-to-Elbow
This brings together rotation, hip flexion, and core engagement in one move. Bringing the opposite knee and elbow together activates the obliques powerfully while also working the rectus abdominis. Because we’re standing on one leg for each rep, we’re getting a balance challenge as well, which keeps the smaller stabilizer muscles working hard. It mimics walking patterns, which makes it incredibly functional, and the constant change of position keeps the heart rate up.
Muscles Trained: Obliques, rectus abdominis, hip flexors, balance stabilizers
How to Do It:
Stand with feet hip-width apart, hands behind the head with elbows wide
Lift the right knee up while simultaneously bringing the left elbow down to meet it
Aim to touch knee to elbow, but get as close as comfortably possible
Return slowly to the starting position with control
Repeat on the other side, lifting the left knee to the right elbow
Continue alternating, focusing on the squeeze in the stomach as the knee and elbow meet
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t hunch over to force the knee and elbow to touch; the point is the rotation and the squeeze, not the contact itself
Don’t round the back to close the gap; keep the chest open and let the movement come from the obliques rotating, even if the knee and elbow finish a few inches apart
Recommended Sets and Reps: 10 to 12 reps each side per round.
How to Structure Your Weekly Routine
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For people over 60 just getting started, three sessions per week is the sweet spot. It gives the body enough stimulus to drive change but enough recovery between sessions to come back stronger each time. As you progress and feel more comfortable, you can build up to four sessions per week, but I’d avoid going much higher than that. More isn’t always better, especially when the body needs a bit more recovery time than it used to.
Work through all four exercises in a circuit format:
Standing March: 45 seconds of work
Standing Wood Chop: 10 to 12 reps each side
Standing Side Bend with Reach: 10 to 12 reps each side
Standing Knee-to-Elbow: 10 to 12 reps each side
Rest for 60 to 90 seconds at the end of the circuit, then repeat. Beginners should aim for 2 rounds, building up to 3 rounds over 4 to 6 weeks, and eventually 4 rounds as fitness improves.
Each session should take somewhere between 20 and 30 minutes including a proper warm-up. Don’t skip it. Five minutes of marching on the spot, gentle arm circles, and some hip rotations will get the body ready and reduce the risk of injury.
For maximum fat loss results, add 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking on the non-training days. Walking is the most underrated exercise for older adults. It’s gentle on the joints, sustainable, and makes a real contribution to the weekly calorie burn without leaving you exhausted.
Here’s the thing that matters most: three sessions a week done consistently for six months will get better results than five sessions a week done sporadically for two months and then abandoned.
Safety Tips and Modifications
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If you have underlying health conditions, particularly cardiovascular issues, recent surgery, or significant joint problems, please speak to a GP before starting any new exercise programme. This isn’t a formality; it’s about making sure we’re starting from a position where exercise is going to help rather than cause problems.
For balance issues, do these exercises near a wall or stable chair. For the standing march and the knee-to-elbow, having a chair within arm’s reach means you can lightly touch it for support if needed. As balance improves over the weeks, the chair becomes less and less necessary. Don’t see it as a sign of weakness; see it as a sensible safety measure that allows you to actually train rather than worrying about falling.
For knee pain, the standing march can be modified by lifting the knee less high. A smaller range of motion that doesn’t aggravate the joint is far better than forcing the full movement and ending up unable to train for a week. The same applies to the knee-to-elbow; just reduce how high the knee comes up.
For lower back issues, the wood chop and side bend should be done with very light weights or no weight at all initially. Master the movement pattern first, then add load gradually. If any movement causes lower back pain rather than just muscle work, stop and reassess. Pain in the back during these exercises usually means core engagement has been lost and the back is taking the load instead.
For shoulder issues, the side bend can be modified by keeping the lifted arm bent rather than straight overhead. You’ll still get most of the benefit without aggravating the shoulder.
The general rule for everyone is this: distinguish between productive muscle fatigue and joint pain. Muscle fatigue feels like the muscle is working hard. Joint pain is sharp, specific to a joint, and usually gets worse as you continue. Work through fatigue but stop for joint pain.
Hydrate properly before, during, and after sessions. Older adults are more prone to dehydration than younger people, and even mild dehydration affects balance, energy, and recovery.
What to Expect in the First 4 to 6 Weeks
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There’s a lot of misleading content online promising dramatic results in unrealistic timeframes. Real change takes longer than the internet would have us believe, but it’s also more rewarding when it comes.
In the first couple of weeks, you won’t really see physical changes. The changes you’ll notice are more about how you feel. Sleep generally improves, and along with that, energy levels during the day get better. Day-to-day movements feel more manageable; things like getting out of a chair or carrying in the shopping. Early wins like these are important. Small signals like this are what keep us training.
By weeks three and four, you’ll start to feel stronger through your midsection. Posture will improve as the deep core muscles start to properly do their job. Your clothes may feel slightly different, particularly around the waistband. Some people see a small reduction in waist measurement at this point, but visible changes in stomach fat are usually still subtle.
By weeks five and six, you should be able to complete more circuit rounds than when you started, and exercises you found challenging at first will feel manageable. Your balance will be significantly better. Activities that used to be harder, such as stairs, getting in and out of the bath, or putting your shoes on, will feel easier.
The most important thing to remember is that visible fat loss depends heavily on nutrition, not exercise alone. You can do these workouts perfectly three times a week, but if eating isn’t supporting fat loss, your stomach won’t get flatter. Most people in this age group need to focus on getting adequate protein (around 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight), reducing ultra-processed foods, and being mindful of portion sizes. The exercises build the muscle that makes the midsection look tighter; the nutrition reveals it.
Visibly reducing stomach fat will generally take eight to twelve weeks of consistent training combined with sensible eating. By that point, you should see real changes in how you look, not just how you feel. You’ll get the best results if you treat this as a long-term lifestyle change rather than a quick fix. Our bodies didn’t get the way they are overnight, and they won’t change overnight either. But they will change if we keep showing up.
