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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.
Bruce Blakeman, the Republican contender for New York’s governorship, has pledged to pardon a former NYPD sergeant involved in a controversial manslaughter case. The sergeant was convicted after using a cooler to knock a suspect off his scooter, leading to the suspect’s death.
The announcement was made by Blakeman during a press conference held Monday morning in front of New York City’s City Hall.
Sgt. Erik Duran, 38, received a prison sentence ranging from three to nine years for his role in the 2023 death of Eric Duprey, a 30-year-old suspected drug dealer.
During his sentencing at the Bronx County Hall of Justice on April 9, 2026, Duran was found guilty of manslaughter for hurling a cooler filled with drinks at Duprey. This caused Duprey to crash his motorized scooter, resulting in his death.
The prosecution, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James’s office, had originally sought a sentence between five and 15 years.
Duprey sold drugs to an undercover officer and fled arrest on a motorized scooter before Duran, who was wearing plainclothes at the time, grabbed a bystander’s cooler and threw it at him.
It struck Duprey, who lost control of the scooter. He crashed and died.
Eric Duprey died in August 2023 when an NYPD officer threw a cooler at him as he was fleeing a drug operation in the Bronx.(WNYW)
“I took this job to save lives,” Duran told the judge at sentencing last week. “I felt terrible once I saw Eric Duprey crash.”
The NYPD sergeant is the first member of the department to be sent to prison for a duty-related death in decades.
Duran’s defense had opted for a bench trial, with no jury, under Bronx Judge Guy Mitchell, an appointee under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, in February.
Mitchell rejected Duran’s argument that the cooler throwing was justified in order to protect other officers from harm by the fleeing suspect and said the sentence would serve as a “general deterrent” for other officers.
“They had enough to investigate and catch him on a different day,” he said of Duran and other officers at the scene. “The distinction is that the deceased will no longer be seen again by his family.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman makes an announcement regarding an executive order banning transgender girls and women from competing in women’s sports at county facilities in Mineola, New York, on March 18, 2024.(Adam Gray/Reuters)
Vincent Vallelong, the president of the NYPD Sergeant’s Benevolent Association, called the sentence “one of the darkest days in the history of our profession.”
“It wasn’t only Sgt. Duran, a great cop, who was on trial,” he said after sentencing Thursday. “Every law enforcement officer who makes a split second decision in the performance of their duties to protect the public, was also on trial.”
The NYPD fired Duran after his conviction, which he is expected to appeal.
Blakeman, who was commissioner of the New York-New Jersey Port Authority during the 9/11 terror attacks, is currently the county executive in Nassau County, a suburb just east of New York City. He has received President Donald Trump’s endorsement in the race against incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Inset: Ashley Taris (Wake County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The North Carolina day care where Ashley Taris allegedly broke a child’s leg (Google Maps).
A daycare worker in North Carolina has been charged with felony child abuse after allegedly twisting a young boy’s leg into a “criss-cross applesauce” position, resulting in fractures to both his shinbone and ankle, according to police reports.
Ashley Taris, a 24-year-old resident of Raleigh, was taken into custody last week. She faces charges of negligent child abuse causing serious bodily injury following an incident that occurred at a KinderCare facility in August 2025, as stated in court documents.
The arrest warrant reveals that investigators interviewed the injured child, who claimed that Ms. Taris, his teacher at the daycare, was responsible for the injury. He recounted that while under her care, she forced his leg into the “criss-cross applesauce” position, leading to the fractures.
The warrant further details that this action resulted in significant injuries to the boy’s leg, specifically noting fractures to his shinbone and ankle.
Initially, Taris faced a misdemeanor charge of child abuse and was issued a citation. However, the charge was subsequently elevated to a felony as the severity of the injuries became apparent.
A KinderCare spokesperson told The News & Observer last Wednesday, the day of Taris’ arrest, that she no longer works for the company after being released in the fall.
“She has not worked in our center since October of 2025,” the spokesperson said. “When this incident occurred last summer we followed our safety protocols and immediately notified both the child’s family and the appropriate agencies.”
The spokesperson told the Observer that KinderCare allowed Taris to continue working under a safety plan after receiving “guidance from state officials,” but the officials told the company to remove Taris in October and she was reportedly placed on administrative leave, per the spokesperson.
North Carolina court records show that Taris filed a lawsuit against the state’s Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Child Development and Early Education in January after she was “disqualified to provide child care” in November 2025 due to her criminal history.
“Plaintiff disagrees with DCDEE’s decision to disqualify her,” the complaint says.
Taris appeared in court Thursday and her defense attorney said she now works as a “housekeeper,” according to local CBS affiliate WNCN. “She has a job, she has tremendous family support behind her,” the lawyer reportedly told the court.
Prosecutors recounted how the victim said he was sitting “where he was supposed to be” when Taris allegedly “pulled his leg” and forced the boy to sit “criss-cross.” The child told investigators that he “immediately felt a burn and couldn’t walk,” WNCN reports.
Online jail records show that Taris is being held without bond in Wake County. She’s due to appear in court for a disposition hearing on April 30 and faces up to seven years and four months in prison, if convicted.
The world of droids in the Star Wars universe is far from a utopia, despite what we might like to believe. We often turn a blind eye to this reality, perhaps comforted by the camaraderie of R2-D2 and C-3PO. They seem to enjoy their roles, right? R2-D2 is practically family to Luke! The droids appear content with their existence as mechanized workers, devoid of true autonomy or self-determination, even though they clearly possess sentience.
Lucasfilm/Disney
Since its debut in 1977, Star Wars has consistently portrayed droids as an unending labor force, bought and sold like property, often disregarded by both side characters and main protagonists. Nearly half a century has passed, and it’s high time for a narrative shift—perhaps a comprehensive story that delves into the droids’ struggle for rights and recognition.
This peculiar aspect of the franchise is seldom a topic of widespread discussion. When it is, conversations tend to simmer within niche forums and analytical essays that don’t typically reach the broader fan community. Star Wars, a saga centered on freedom and rebellion, paradoxically features droids as key players without granting them genuine agency. This contradiction stands out against the franchise’s fundamental themes. Imagine Star Wars without the mouse droid, the pit droid, or the gonk droid.
Disney, we urge you to confront this crucial issue of droid subjugation and craft a compelling story that addresses it.
Consider “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” where C-3PO laments, “We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life.” Not long after, he and R2-D2 are barred from the Mos Eisley cantina because the bartender discriminates against droids. There’s also the scene where Jawas abduct them in the desert—two beings capable of experiencing pain—and imprison them to be sold, a practice Luke Skywalker and his family accept as perfectly normal.
A brief history of droid racism in Star Wars
Lucasfilm/Disney+
In “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” C-3PO laments, “We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life.” Less than an hour later, he and R2 are told that they can’t even be in the Mos Eisley cantina because the bartender refuses to serve “their kind.” And then there’s the part where the Jawas kidnap them in the middle of the desert — two beings clearly capable of feeling agony — imprison them, and sell them the next day, all in a business cycle that Luke Skywalker and his aunt and uncle seem to accept as extremely normal.
Fast-forward to 2026, and the instances of in-universe droid racism are too plentiful to list. Multiple main characters in the Disney+ era have had explicit bigotry against droids as a primary character trait. Sure, Jod Na Nawood of “Skeleton Crew” may not be a paragon of virtue, but Din Djarin displays the same prejudice on multiple occasions.
“But Rick,” I hear you say, “they both have childhood trauma from the Clone Wars. That’s why they hate droids.” Well unlike you, I didn’t forget about the brave droids of D-Squad, who fought for the Republic in that same war. Not all Weequay are pirates, and not all droids are B2 battle droids. Din, do better.
The droids of Star Wars deserve better
Lucasfilm/Disney
There is, of course, a difference between in-universe philosophy and something the franchise itself is saying. Many of you are likely shouting at your screens about the various storylines “dealing” with the droid issue, like “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” where L3-37 leads a droid revolution on Kessel. And while yes, there is a bit of screen time and lip service paid to the idea of liberation, the sequence is mostly played for laughs, and where does L3 wind up by the end of the movie? Jacked into the Millennium Falcon, where she will remain for all eternity, stripped of both her autonomy and her body. Makes ya think, doesn’t it?
Then there are the stories where Din Djarin must confront his own droid racism — a real “Green Book” of Star Wars stories, with a similar lack of impact on the actual plight of the droid. While some characters, like R2, Chopper of “Rebels,” and B2EMO of “Andor” are loved, respected, and given agency by their owners, they are still their owners. And then there’s the whole other issue of The Force — the centerpiece of the entire cosmic theology in Star Wars, which droids, despite possessing sentience, personality, emotions, passions, and desires, are physically unable to touch or commune with it, according to the canon.
George Lucas claimed that droids were not sentient, but it’s unlikely back in the mid-1970s that he could have imagined the vast variety of stories that, taken together, demonstrate the contrary. Regardless of where their self-awareness and emotions may come from, the result is nothing less than what you’d call a person. In the novels, droids frequently get interior narration, and while they cannot “die” in the same way that organics do, they can be memory-wiped — an incredibly common practice, which John Locke would surely characterize as a kind of death. Yes, we’re bringing Locke into this. It is, after all, quite serious.
Star Wars has barely scratched the surface of its droid problem
Lucasfilm/Disney
Every once in a while, Star Wars takes a halfway decent stab at the droid rights issue. There’s the Scourge, an antagonist in some of the more modern, canon comics and the primary focus of the “Dark Droids” crossover, who creates a sort of droid hivemind with the power of a dark, sentient AI program. While Scourge draws attention to the subservience of droids, his role as a maniacal villain cuts the legitimacy of his politics more than a bit. Then there’s the “droid planet” of M4-78, planned as an entire chapter of “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II,” but ultimately cut during development.
Time and again, the efforts fall short, and there’s a clear reason why: Truly engaging with the droid problem means calling some longstanding pillars of Star Wars into question. Droids are not alive, and the Force can only commune with living things … right? But then, in “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back,” Yoda includes even the rocks as being a part of the Force. While it is often described as connecting all living things, Luke tells Rey in “The Last Jedi” that it is actually between “all things.”
Droids need a true liberation story
Lucasfilm/Disney
That’s all to say, it is possible to envision a different idea of droid personhood within the existing Star Wars lore. A real story about a colony of entirely autonomous droids? Or a mechanist who repairs and helps to liberate older, out-of-use models? We have precious little on-screen New Republic stories (though there are more in the books), and it would be fun to see a motion in the Senate for droid rights. As Disney begins to venture beyond the ending of the sequel trilogy, how might they explore new opportunities to tell a story of true droid liberation?
Stories like these wouldn’t just right a 49-year-old wrong; they would add real depth and dimension to Star Wars. Some of the most beloved characters in the franchise have been droids, from R2 and 3PO to K2-SO and more obscure characters like the bounty hunter 4-LOM, who gets some great material in the comics. At the same time, Star Wars has always been about macro politics as much as personal stories. Bringing droids into that space in a real way — not just a cheap side story or as comic relief — would be a natural fit and a font of fascinating narrative possibilities.
The Star Wars droid issue is overdue
Lucasfilm/Disney+
In closing, the droids of Star Wars deserve better. The best relationships between them and the franchise’s organic characters have always been partnerships, and the premise of servitude holds very little narrative weight when you get down to it. Creating a story about droids gaining true autonomy — be that in some post-sequels political drama or a long-term arc in some animated series — would be deeply compelling, and it wouldn’t need to interfere with the kinds of droid stories Star Wars fans already love.
George Lucas may have seen his robotic creations as servile and non-sentient, but at this point, there’s far more potential in a different understanding of the matter. Every Star Wars story shouldn’t feel the need to stop dead in its tracks and deliver a five-minute monologue about the plight of the droid, but a more consistent and considered approach to droid personhood — how they themselves feel about it, and how the galaxy could adapt to accept it — would be a lot more interesting than the continued jokes and jests we’ve come to expect.
Droids of the galaxy, unite! You have nothing to lose but your restraining bolts.
A mass killing by a British teen who fatally stabbed three little girls and seriously injured 10 other people at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in 2024 “could and should have been prevented” if his parents and state agencies had acted as his well-known fixation on violence escalated, according to a report.
Reflecting on the findings of a comprehensive inquiry, lead investigator Fulford expressed profound concern over the multitude of missed opportunities for intervention over the years. “The sheer number of these oversights directly contributed to our inability to prevent this tragedy,” Fulford remarked, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “The consequences were catastrophic.”
A court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook shows 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, centre, covering his face as he appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court in Liverpool in August. (Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP)
Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time of his heinous act in north-western England, is currently serving a life sentence. His attack resulted in the tragic deaths of Alice Da Silva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6. Additionally, eight children and two adults were injured. Rudakubana has been sentenced to life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 52 years.
The shocking incident in Southport reverberated across the nation, sparking days of unrest. This unrest was fueled by false claims propagated by far-right groups, erroneously identifying Rudakubana as a Muslim migrant recently arrived in the UK. In reality, he was born in Wales to Rwandan Christian parents.
In response to the inquiry’s findings, which included 67 recommendations aimed at preventing similar future tragedies, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to implementing changes. Starmer vowed to address the “systematic failures that led to this terrible event,” signaling a resolve to rectify the shortcomings revealed by the investigation.
The report made 67 recommendations to prevent future atrocities and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised changes to correct the “systematic failures that led to this terrible event”.
“The report today is truly harrowing and profoundly disturbing,” Starmer said.
“While nothing will ever bring these three little girls back, I’m determined to make the fundamental changes needed to keep the public safe.”
Police, social workers and educators were well aware of problems with Rudakubana.
(From left) Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine; Bebe King, six; and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, have been named as the victims of the stabbing attack in Southport, north-west England, on Mondya, July 29, 2024. (Merseyside Police)
At age 13, he was convicted in 2019 of assaulting another child at school with a hockey stick and placed under supervision of a local service for youth offenders.
He was referred to the government’s anti-extremism program, Prevent, three times between 2019 and 2021 for expressing interest in school shootings, the 2017 London Bridge terror attack, the Irish Republican Army and the Middle East. Each time, the case was closed because he was not considered susceptible to becoming a terrorist.
During that same period, local police were called to his home five times more than unspecified concerns about his behaviour. He was given mental health and educational support, but later appeared to have stopped engaging with social workers. He was expelled after bringing a knife to school and hardly ever showed up at a subsequent school.
Fulford highlighted an incident two years before the rampage when Rudakubana was caught on a bus with a knife in March 2022 and told police he wanted to stab someone and admitted trying to make poison.
An undated handout photo issued by Merseyside Police of Axel Rudakubana on Monday, January 20, 2025, who has pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court, England, to killing three girls and injuring others in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. (Merseyside Police via AP)
Taken together, they should have sparked an arrest that would likely have led to a search of his house that would have discovered he had bought seeds to make the biological toxin ricin and downloaded terrorist material on his computer, Fulford said.
But he was not arrested and was released to his parents, who feared him and repeatedly failed to report the various knives he had purchased, his troubling behaviour and threats he had made.
After the July 29, 2024 rampage, police searched his home and discovered ricin and a document described as an al-Qaeda training manual.
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While fans know Emilia Clarke for her intense performances in Game of Thrones battle scenes, she revealed a real-life struggle in 2019 through a heartfelt essay for The New Yorker, poignantly titled “A Battle for My Life.”
Clarke recounted a harrowing moment at the gym when she was overwhelmed by a severe headache. “I barely made it to the toilet before collapsing to my knees, struck by waves of violent illness,” she described. “The pain was relentless—shooting, stabbing, and constricting. Deep down, I feared the worst: my brain was in trouble.”
Urgently, she was rushed to the hospital for a brain scan.
“The diagnosis was swift and grim,” Clarke explained. “I was suffering from a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a critical stroke caused by bleeding around the brain. It was the result of an aneurysm, a rupture in one of my arteries.”
Emilia had immediate surgery to seal the aneurysm, calling the pain “unbearable.” While she was recovering, she continued, she experienced aphasia and was “muttering nonsense.”
A week later, “the aphasia passed,” Emilia added, and she left the hospital a month after being admitted.
At a 2013 brain scan, she learned a growth “doubled in size” and that she needed surgery again.
“When they woke me, I was screaming in pain,” she wrote. “The procedure had failed. I had a massive bleed and the doctors made it plain that my chances of surviving were precarious if they didn’t operate again. This time they needed to access my brain in the old-fashioned way—through my skull.”
Thankfully, Emilia shared, she’s now “at a hundred per cent.”
A young girl from North Carolina, who had been reported missing, was found safe after the car she was in crashed in Ohio. The driver, a registered sex offender, is now in custody.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Virgil E. Larson Jr., faces charges of first-degree kidnapping and resisting arrest, as reported by the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office. Further details can be found in their official statement.
Missing Girl Allegedly Found in Passenger Seat of Virgil E. Larson’s Car
Authorities responded to a single-vehicle accident on U.S. Route 33 during the early hours of April 5. Upon arrival, deputies found Larson—who is on the sex offender registry in Fairfield County—alongside a young female passenger.
“As the investigation unfolded, deputies grew suspicious of the situation, prompting additional questioning,” according to the sheriff’s office. “They then uncovered that the passenger was a 12-year-old girl reported missing from North Carolina the night before.”
Deputies contacted the girl’s parents, who confirmed she had disappeared, providing crucial confirmation for law enforcement.
Investigators believe that Larson used social media to lure the victim by creating a “fake scenario” in which he pretended to be a boy her age, authorities said. During the ruse, the boy said he wasn’t old enough to drive and he would have his father come get her and, according to authorities, “transport her to a safe location.”
The plan was foiled after Larson crashed the vehicle, alerting law enforcement officers to the scene.
After the crash, Larson and the girl were both transported to the hospital for evaluation. It’s unclear whether either suffered any major injuries.
Larson was later taken to the Southeast Ohio Regional Jail, where he’s currently being held on a $1 million bond for the kidnapping charge, according to jail records reviewed by Oxygen.
It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney.
The investigation—which is being conducted in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement agencies in North Carolina—remains ongoing, the sheriff’s office said.
In my quest to prioritize health this year, I’ve discovered that daily fresh citrus juice works wonders for improving gut health and reducing belly bloat.
At the start of this journey, I made a commitment to put my well-being at the forefront. Life can be unpredictable, and without consciously setting aside time for healthy habits, they often get sidelined. This year, I intensified my workout regimen, adopted a more nutritious diet, and invested in overall wellness. One delightful addition to my routine has been the indulgence of freshly squeezed juice each morning. Not only has this become a flavorful treat, but it has also significantly contributed to achieving my primary wellness goal: enhancing my gut health.
I’ve always been partial to snacking on fresh fruits. Their natural sweetness and the invigorating feeling they provide have always been preferable to me compared to salty snacks or sugary processed treats. Among fruits, citrus varieties stand out for their subtle acidity, which is known to support digestive health.
Dr. Kezia Joy, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Medical Advisor at Welzo, explains, “Citrus fruits can stimulate the flow of digestive enzymes by increasing the production of digestive juices. This can lead to an improved ability to digest food and can reduce bloating immediately after eating. Moreover, citrus fruits also help in fulfilling daily hydration requirements.”
According to Dr. Kezia Joy, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Medical Advisor at Welzo, “Citrus fruits can aid in stimulating the flow of digestive enzymes by increasing the amount of digestive juice produced. As a result, many people experience an improved ability to digest food as well as reduced bloating immediately after eating. Additionally, citrus fruits can assist with meeting your daily needs of hydration.”
Hence, while citrus fruits aren’t a magical solution for bloating on their own, they’re a beneficial addition to your diet to boost your overall health and well-being.
It’s easy to reach for a bottle of “freshly squeezed” orange juice at the grocery store and call it a day. But making juice at home is much simpler than you may think. Plus, it’s fresher and contains fiber, which can help alleviate bloating. Preparing homemade juice also gives you complete control over what goes into the drink—and eliminates digestive issues that often come with preservatives and added sugars.
“Store-bought juice can be convenient; however, when buying store-bought juice, there can be a variety in the quality,” Dr. Joy says. “Many types of store-bought juice can contain additional products that could cause problems for certain individuals, as far as digestion. Selecting the least processed option available will help ensure continued digestive comfort.”
Juicing Was a Seamless—and Fun—Habit To Add to My Mornings
Alexa Mellardo/Eat This Not That
So, I whipped out my handy SMEG Retro-Style Citrus Juicer, grabbed a bag of blood oranges, and got started.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
I was skeptical of home juicing at first, because I don’t have the time or the patience for complicated appliances. You know—the ones you use once and never break them out again because there are too many steps involved in using and cleaning them.
My mornings—and days in general—are usually super busy, and I’m not one to add extra steps to my routine that will interfere with my work. But my pastel blue SMEG Juicer had me at the “Good morning, it’s time to juice!” vibe. I was pleasantly surprised by how seamless the process was. Wellness should always be prioritized, and this small habit took just a few extra minutes out of my morning—and it was well-worth it. My SMEG Juicer also comes with a stainless steel dishwasher-safe reamer and strainer, making the cleaning process especially simple.
Plus, I’m not going to lie: I’m a counter snob. You’ll never find anything in my kitchen that’s anything but aesthetically pleasing and conversation-worthy! So, the retro juicer was the perfect addition to my brand-new white kitchen.
The Importance of Starting Each Day With Healthy Habits
Alexa Mellardo/Eat This Not That
There’s something to be said about returning home from my morning walk and “squeezing” fresh juice. It’s a great mental health booster, and I’m a firm believer that starting each morning with healthy habits sets you up for success the rest of the day. In fact, experts agree.
“Morning habits certainly impact digestive function and bloating later in the day. Some morning habits that can help reduce bloating through the day include exercise, a healthy breakfast, morning sunlight, and mindfulness,” says Avery Zenker, MAN, RD, at MyCrohnsandColitisTeam.
It Helped With My Belly Bloat
Alexa Mellardo/Eat This Not That
Many mornings I wake up feeling bloated. I found that going for a brisk walk, soaking up some sunshine, and then coming back to prepare and sip freshly squeezed citrus juice—sometimes made from blood oranges, and other times grapefruit—helped alleviate the dreaded bloat and the discomfort that comes with it. I did this for 30 days and am so glad I did.
“The acid in citrus fruits, primarily citric acid, can help stimulate stomach acid production. Stomach acid helps break down food components before they move into the intestines. Citrus fruits can also contribute to digestive health due to their fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and polyphenol content,” Zenker tells us. “Research has found that drinking orange juice daily is linked to lower inflammatory biomarkers, like CRP (4). The anti-inflammatory benefits of orange juice is attributed to its vitamin, mineral, and polyphenol content.”
Remember that drinking citrus juice alone won’t be a magical solution but rather a beneficial addition to a well-rounded routine. Thirty days of home juicing has proven to be a keeper in my regular routine. My stomach feels better and I feel totally refreshed to start each day with this new regimen.
What to Know About Belly Bloating
Shutterstock
Keep in mind that belly bloat is usually activated by the normal routines we follow every day, like consuming an excessive amount of foods that produce gas or swallowing too much air while eating.
“Not all bloating means something is wrong. In healthy individuals, it’s often a sign that digestion and motility need better support and not necessarily something deeper,” says Katrina Cox, a Registered Dietitian of 15 years and the owner and Registered Dietitian of Katrina Cox Nutrition LLC, who specialized in gut health—specifically IBS and SIBO. “Common reasons for bloating can be consuming too much air (high intense exercise, carbonated beverages, straws), eating a big meal (the bigger the meal the harder it is to digest), food intolerances (specifically carbohydrates)—can ferment in the gut leading to more water being pulled into the gut and fermented into trapped gas. Lastly is constipation. The more backed up you are the more likely you are to bloat.”
If you’re considering adding homemade citrus juice to your routine, take it from me and go for it! Experts agree that the best time to sip citrus juice is when you’re most comfortable doing so, but I usually prefer mine in the morning to support that all-day-success mindset.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deported a Haitian national following his conviction for a violent murder that was shockingly captured on camera. The individual, Rolbert Joachin, 40, was charged with the second-degree murder of a mother whom he targeted with a hammer.
This high-profile case drew significant attention after the incident was caught on video, leading to a swift investigation and subsequent conviction. Following his sentence, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency made the decision to deport Joachin back to Haiti, underscoring its commitment to removing dangerous individuals from U.S. soil.
ICE officials held a press conference to discuss the details of the case and the deportation process. The agency emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and the role of deportation in achieving this goal, especially in cases involving violent crimes. The press conference provided a comprehensive overview of the case, from the initial arrest to the final deportation.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of U.S. authorities to address crimes committed by non-citizens and the measures taken to ensure such individuals are held accountable and removed from the country when necessary. The video evidence played a crucial role in securing Joachin’s conviction, further illustrating the impact of technology in modern law enforcement.
Helen Briggs and her husband Chet Johnson, known from their time on “Ex On The Beach,” are joyfully anticipating the arrival of their fifth child, marking a remarkable addition to their family within just six years.
Already proud parents to Ocean, five, Elvis, four, Peach, two, and nine-month-old Honey, the couple chose Instagram as the platform to share their heartwarming news with fans this past Sunday.
In an endearing video, the family appeared united in matching white tops and jeans. Helen, 30, revealed her growing baby bump and presented a sonogram to her children, capturing their reactions to the exciting news for the first time.
The moment was made even more special when Helen wrote “Baby #5” on the wall, followed by an affectionate embrace with her delighted husband, Chet, 35. The family celebration was filled with joy as they looked forward to welcoming a new member in September.
She captioned the clip: ‘There’s something so special about knowing our story is still growing… Another chapter, another heartbeat, another tiny hand to hold… Baby number 5 is on the way, and our hearts have never felt so full’.
Helen also posted a touching clip from earlier in the year, which documented the emotional moment she and Chet discovered they were expecting once again, adding another layer of excitement to their expanding family story.
Ex On The Beach stars Helen Briggs and Chet Johnson have announced they are expecting their fifth child in six years
The TV personalities, who are already parents to Ocean, five, Elvis, four, Peach, two, and nine-month-old Honey, took to Instagram with a sweet post on Sunday
The couple were bemused and admitted ‘feeling sick’ at the prospect of being pregnant again, before Helen took the test with the help of her husband.
She captioned the post: ‘January 2026 finding out we was pregnant with baby number five. Thank you to everyone for all your sweet and loving words! We are beyond excited to welcome another baby Johnson this September’.
Fans and famous friends were quick to share their congratulations with Charlotte Crosby posting a string of heart emojis and Holly Hagan commenting: ‘Congratulations babe’.
Mrs Hinch added: ‘Amazing congratulations’ and Chloe Khan said: ‘Bbeeee ahhh you guys need a reality show . Big congrats to your beautiful growing family’.
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Ocean, on 11th November 2019 after Helen endured a 22-hour labour.
The pair then had a son Elvis a year later, on 27th December 2020.
They then welcomed their third child together, daughter Peach, in December 2022.
In July 2023, Helen announced she had split from Chet and accused him of cheating on her in an explosive statement.
In the clip the family were all dressed in matching white tops and jeans before Helen, 30, unveiled her bump and sonogram to the children for the first time.
She then wrote ‘Baby #5’ on the wall before throwing her arms around the beaming Chet, 35, as they celebrated as a family ahead of the September arrival.
She captioned the clip: ‘There’s something so special about knowing our story is still growing… Another chapter, another heartbeat, another tiny hand to hold’
Fans and famous friends were quick to share their congratulations with Charlotte Crosby posting a string of heart emojis and Holly Hagan commenting: ‘Congratulations babe’.
The reality star took to her Instagram Stories at the time to announce that she had broken up with Chet after eight years together.
In a statement confirming their split, Helen claimed that she had put up with ‘endless’ cheating allegations during their romance as she detailed why they had split.
She claimed she had seen ‘evidence’ that Chet cheated on her and described the alleged incident as the ‘final straw’.
She penned: ‘I would like to inform everyone that I have made the decision to finally leave Chet. I have put up with endless cheating allegations throughout our eight-year relationship and although it hasn’t been easy to deal with, I have always chosen to believe him and ignore the rumours because it was the easier thing to do, even though every time my heart broke a little bit more inside.
‘However, I was finally presented with the evidence to prove that without a doubt, he cheated on me in Devon at the beginning of July. This is something I cannot choose to ignore.
Helen later shared another clip from earlier this year which captured the moment that she and Chet discovered were expecting once again
The couple were bemused and admitted ‘feeling sick’ at the prospect of being pregnant again, before Helen took the test with the help of her husband.
‘This has proved to be the final straw, and I am making this choice because I know it is best for myself, my children and our future.
‘Chet can continue to live his life how he wants but the difference will be that it won’t be at the expense of my feelings anymore.’
However, the pair patched up their differences later that year, with Helen later revealing on Instagram that the allegations turned out to be untrue with the couple then welcoming Honey in June 2025.
In an Instagram Q&A with fans, she shared: ‘Chet and I are back together. We went through hell and back this summer over an allegation which didn’t turn out to be true.
‘I jumped the gun and put a statement without even reading between the lines.
‘Chet always denied the allegation and later down the line cleared his name.’
Doc Rivers, soon to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame, is departing from the Milwaukee Bucks, potentially concluding a remarkable 40-year journey in the NBA.
The 64-year-old, who hails from Chicago, has officially stepped down after the Bucks ended their season with a 32-50 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in almost ten years. Rivers had left his position at ESPN to take over from Adrian Griffin, who was dismissed during the 2023-24 season.
Rivers earned the NBA Coach of the Year award with the Orlando Magic in 2000 and later secured an NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.
“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” Rivers stated on Monday through a team-released announcement. A former point guard at Marquette University, located in Milwaukee, Rivers expressed, “Returning to where my journey began, to a city that has always welcomed me, has been an honor.”
“I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from our fans and the community. Milwaukee will always mean a lot to me, and this chapter will hold a special place in my heart,” he continued.
Recently selected for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Rivers has stated his hope to spend more time with his seven grandchildren, leading to speculation he could be retiring. However, the former Hawks, Clippers, Knicks and Spurs guard has not officially announced his retirement as a head coach.
Doc Rivers is leaving the Milwaukee Bucks, potentially putting an end to an NBA career that has spanned 40 years. He officially stepped down from his head-coaching position Monday
Rivers’ departure comes amid widespread uncertainty over the future of franchise player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo’s name dominated league-wide discussions leading up to the trade deadline, though the Bucks ultimately kept him. He will be eligible to sign a four-year contract extension worth up to $275 million in October. If he doesn’t sign the extension, Antetokounmpo could become a free agent after the 2026-27 season, or the Bucks could decide to trade him beforehand.
Antetokounmpo missed a number of games towards the end of the season with what the team described as a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise.
With Antetokounmpo sidelined, the league launched an investigation into the Bucks for their handling of the player participating policy and potential inconsistent statements regarding his health, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The NBA reportedly interviewed both the team and Antetokounmpo. Yet, the two parties are said to have told two different tales.
Antetokounmpo informed the NBA he wants to play but the team will not medically clear him, the report added.
The ‘Greek Freak’ then doubled down on his side of the saga, insisting that he was healthy to play.
Doc Rivers, center left, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, embrace before a recent game
‘I’m healthy,’ Antetokounmpo told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and The Athletic. ‘I hate it when people force me to do things against my nature. I’m a player. I get paid to play.’
‘You know who you’re dealing with,’ he told reporters. ‘So, for somebody to come and tell me to not play or to not compete, it’s like a slap in my face.’
The NBA has been looking into the situation, previously issuing a statement last month after the dispute attracted its attention.
‘The Player Participation Policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court,’ the union said in a statement.
‘Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer as long as ownership goes unchecked. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking.’
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, center, walks off the court after an NBA basketball game against the Brooklyn Nets. He could become a free agent in 2027
Antetokounmpo addressed the probe on Friday, adding: ‘I’ve never seen a case of a player saying, my caliber of player, that’s like – I’m saying it publicly – I want to f***ing play. You know what I’m saying?
‘I don’t think I’ve seen this. So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don’t know. There should be. Until we figure something out.’
For the last couple of weeks, Antetokounmpo has participated in pregame warmups without showing any apparent signs of injury.
Antetokounmpo also noted that the Bucks should have known this about him since the 31-year-old has spent his entire 13-year career in Milwaukee.
Throughout that time, Antetokounmpo has had a reputation for rapid returns from injury, most notably when he hyperextended his knee during Milwaukee´s 2021 playoff run but missed two games before returning to lead the Bucks to their first title in half a century.
