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Sisters of Fallen Constable Take Legal Action Against Dezi Freeman; Victoria Police React

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Victoria Police has issued a lengthy statement in response to allegations made by the sisters of a senior constable who was killed by Dezi Freeman.

Dianne Thompson and Lois Kirk have expressed their dismay to The Herald Sun, stating they were informed about their brother Neal Thompson’s death through a phone call instead of a face-to-face meeting.

He and nine others in the sexual offences and child investigation team tried to serve Freeman an arrest warrant in Porepunkah on August 26.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson. (Victoria Police)

Neal Thompson, aged 59, was tragically one of the two officers who lost their lives when Freeman launched a deadly attack and subsequently vanished into the wilderness, successfully evading arrest for seven months.

The sisters also alleged they were not invited to Thompson’s memorial services and were not told that Freeman had been fatally shot by police on Monday during a stand-off at his hiding place in Thologolong, over two hours away from Porepunkah and near the NSW border.
They have previously communicated their grievances in a letter to Police Commissioner Mike Bush and now plan to sue Victoria Police. 

Victoria Police has acknowledged the concerns raised by Thompson and Kirk and indicated that they responded promptly after receiving a letter from Bush.

Neal Thompson, Leading Detective Senior Constable at Victoria Police
Neal Thompson, Leading Detective Senior Constable at Victoria Police (Victoria Police)

In an official statement, Victoria Police assured, “We have maintained consistent communication with the families since the tragic event occurred and have made every effort to keep them informed and ensure support services are available to them.”

The statement further noted, “The Chief Commissioner has personally reached out multiple times to speak with Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson’s partner, the parents of Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, and the officer who was seriously injured during the incident on August 26, 2025.”

“However, we also acknowledge some issues raised by the sisters of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and police have met with them directly as a result of a letter they sent to the Chief Commissioner.”

Victoria Police have appointed the sisters their own police liaison officers from the homicide squad and the local area to update them on the investigation.

Victoria's Mount Buffalo National Park has officially reopened after an extensive, eight week manhunt for accused police killer Dezi Freeman.
Dezi Freeman was killed in a volley of fire on Monday. (A Current Affair)

The force is in discussions with the pair about any ongoing concerns, but refused to provide further details.

“Victoria Police acknowledges that the past seven months have been an incredibly difficult time following in the incident in Porepunkah, particularly the families of the two police officers killed,” Victoria Police said.

“While every effort is made to provide timely updates to all families involved, we are always conscious of the need to manage ongoing investigations.” 

9news.com.au has contacted the sisters’ lawyer for comment.

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Latest Updates on ‘The Madison’ Season 2: Are New Episodes Dropping This Week?


We may only be a few months into the year, but Taylor Sheridan seems to be on a creative spree, churning out an impressive slate of television projects. Though it’s an exaggeration to say he’s launched 25 new shows, 2026 has certainly been a banner year for the prolific screenwriter.

Among his achievements, the second season of the hit series Landman, starring Billy Bob Thornton, wrapped up in January, and fans can look forward to more coming soon. Meanwhile, Marshals, a spin-off from the beloved Yellowstone, featuring Luke Grimes, is currently captivating audiences on CBS. Adding to the excitement, the eagerly awaited spin-off Dutton Ranch, starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, is set to premiere on Paramount+ on May 15.

Since 2018, Sheridan has been setting the bar high for TV writers everywhere.

Another noteworthy addition to Sheridan’s impressive lineup is The Madison, a family drama led by the talented Michelle Pfeiffer, which recently made its debut on Paramount+. As fans dive into this new series, questions about its future have already started swirling. Is The Madison here to stay? Will there be a second season?

Is The Madison Airing New Episodes This Week on Paramount?

For those wondering, the season finale of The Madison aired on March 21, 2026, on Paramount+, but details about a potential continuation remain under wraps.

How Many Episodes Are There of The Madison?

The first season of The Madison consists of six episodes.

Will There Be a Season 2 of The Madison on Paramount+?

You know it! Not only has the series been renewed for Season 2, but the second season’s already been shot!

“The family unit of the Clyburns is what holds everyone together, and they’re all integral to that dynamic,” series director Christina Alexandra Voros told The Hollywood Reporter. “So there are a lot of questions at the end of season one that will be answered when you get to season two.”

No official release date has been announced, but thankfully, another season of The Madison is on the way.

Will There Be More Episodes of The Madison?

We already know there’s a second season on the way, but Michelle Pfeiffer recently told The Hollywood Reporter that Sheridan and company are “hoping for season three.” And she’s not the only cast member who wants the show to continue.

Per THR, Beau Garrett believes that “five seasons would be a nice number to follow the Clyburn story through,” with her co-star Patrick J. Adams echoing her sentiments.

“I think I speak for everyone when I say we would gladly shoot this show forever,” Adams said. “I think we’ve found something kind of miraculously special here, so as long as it’s a story people want to hear, we’d be happy to tell it.”

Where To Watch The Madison Online:

All six episodes of The Madison are streaming on Paramount+, which is available for $8.99/month or $13.99/month (Paramount+ Premium).

You can also add Paramount+ to your Amazon or Hulu accounts for an additional $13.99/month.

Does Paramount+ Offer a Free Trial?

Nope. There was recently a free trial available through Prime Video, but that promo isn’t currently available.

Vehicle Collides with Festive Crowd at Lao New Year Celebration in Louisiana

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A vehicle plowed into festival-goers at a Lao New Year parade in rural Louisiana on Saturday, leaving several individuals injured, according to local authorities.

The driver was promptly apprehended and faces charges for driving under the influence, as confirmed by the police.

Footage circulating on social media depicted a chaotic scene at the annual celebration in Broussard and New Iberia, with numerous people lying on the ground. Firefighters were seen assisting someone trapped beneath the vehicle, which eventually came to rest in a ditch along the parade route.

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that about 15 individuals sustained injuries, with some in serious condition.

“Preliminary investigations suggest this incident was not deliberate,” stated Rebecca Melancon, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

Acadian Ambulance, a private ambulance company, said on social media that it responded to the emergency around 2:30 p.m. and sent 10 ambulances and a helicopter to aid the injured. Two patients were airlifted, it said.

The Louisiana State Police said the driver, who is 57 and lived in Jeanerette, appeared impaired when police arrived and later tested positive for a high blood alcohol level. He was charged with impaired, negligent and careless driving and having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

The parade is part of a three-day New Year celebration set in the Lanxang Village, a Laotian neighborhood near New Iberia with hundreds of families, and near the Buddhist temple grounds of Wat Thammarattanaram.

It features Southeast Asian food, live music, a parade and other family-friendly activities attracting thousands each year.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued a statement about the incident. “Sharon and I are praying for all those affected, and are grateful for the first responders who have responded to the scene,” he said.

The festival’s organizers issued a statement on Facebook saying they were “profoundly saddened” by the incident.

“We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time,” it said.

Afternoon and evening events were canceled, but the festival planned to hold religious services on Sunday, the organizers said.

Inside Concerns: The Real Story Behind Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ Marriage Woes




Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos rank among Hollywood’s enduring couples, having celebrated over three decades of marriage. In an industry notorious for fleeting relationships, they stand as a symbol of enduring love, often dubbed #UltimateRelationshipGoals. However, recent public appearances and interviews have sparked speculation about their marital bliss. During the 2026 Oscars, observers noted a palpable tension between the two, with some fans commenting on their seemingly distant demeanor. One social media user remarked, “He’s so sick of her he doesn’t even look at her,” while another questioned, “I wonder how he feels about being upstaged by his wife 24/7.”

Ripa’s reaction to this was a mix of horror and amusement. She laughed, exclaiming, “Oh my God. Oh, dear God, I hope I live to see your second wife!” Yet, this lighthearted banter has not dispelled concerns.

As a mother of three and the co-host of the popular morning show, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Kelly Ripa values her solitude. In an October 2025 episode of “Live,” she discussed an article emphasizing the importance of disconnecting from the digital world for some much-needed alone time. Ripa shared her love for solitude, asking her husband, “You don’t take it personally that I love alone time, right?” This conversation, reported by EW, highlighted the couple’s dynamic and Ripa’s need for personal space amid her hectic life.

Ripa seemed both horrified and amused by that thought. “Oh my God. Oh, dear God, I hope I live to see your second wife!” she laughed. But there are other warning signs.

Ripa loves it when Consuelos leaves her alone

As a busy mom of three and host of the long-running morning talk show, “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Kelly Ripa understandably relishes having some peace and quiet to herself. During an October 2025 episode of “Live,” the “Riverdale” actor discussed an article she’d recently come across that stresses the importance of unplugging and spending time alone in the age of the internet and social media. “I love alone time,” Ripa said (via EW). “You don’t take it personally that I love alone time, right?” she then asked Mark Consuelos.

Without taking a beat, Ripa confessed that she occasionally finds herself wanting to lash out at her husband for interrupting her me-time. “Sometimes when I’m enjoying my alone time and you come in the room, I want to scream. You know what I mean?” she said frankly. “I feel like you’ve interrupted my alone time because you’re done with your alone time. And then you just come in, like, oh, your alone time’s done, so so is mine.”

She mentioned having a shared calendar with Consuelos, which supposedly indicates how long she expects to be left alone without interruptions. “I need 40 more minutes. It’s there if you read the schedule,” Ripa snarked at her husband. When Consuelos argued that there was no “Kelly alone time” written on their schedule, Ripa acknowledged this and promised to be clearer about her desire for personal time moving forward. Hmm. Sounds like she’s desperate for some time apart from Consuelos.

Ripa has a bold admission about their sex life

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have always been refreshingly candid about their sex life. As a married couple, they understand how important sex and intimacy are for keeping the spark alive in a marriage. But as honest as they are about these topics, sometimes things can get a little awkward. For instance, Ripa once confessed that she finds her husband’s preference for morning sex disgusting. Appearing on the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast, hosted by Amanda Hirch, Ripa suggested that Consuelos tends to call the shots in the bedroom. “I said to him, ‘Here’s the thing. There needs to be a yin and a yang here. It can’t always be your way,” says Ripa. “‘Cause it feels like 90 percent of the time it’s your way. And now that we work together every day, it’s gonna have to sometimes be my way, and my way’s at night only.’”

And to paint a picture of how morning sex normally looks for her and Conseulos, Ripa narrated, “I have a retainer in, I gotta rip that out, and he’s got, like, his nasal strips on.” Admittedly, it always leaves her feeling gross. “It’s like we are the most repulsive, disgusting [people],” Ripa emphasized. In fact, “I’m already pre-disgusted for tomorrow morning.”

As for Consuelos, he admits that joining “Live with Kelly and Mark” was the answer to breaking his morning sex habit. And let’s just say that his wife is more than okay with it. “May this show last until he suffers from erectile dysfunction,” Ripa jokingly said on the podcast. “He’s in his mid-50s, shouldn’t that be happening now? I was promised!”

Ripa ‘resents’ her husband for this simple reason

Kelly Ripa has admitted to having several cosmetic procedures to look great and slow down the aging process. Unlike her husband, Mark Consuelos, she regularly gets treatments to combat her wrinkles and keep her face firm and lifted. And she hates the fact that he doesn’t have to do all that work to look just as amazing. “Every day that I wake up aging 6 months more than you. … It bothers me,” Ripa quipped during a June 2025 episode of their show (via People). “Like, I resent the fact that you just aren’t aging. At all.” She may or may not be joking. “It’s your fault,” Ripa continued, noting that Consuelos had only recently started to get gray hairs, too. “And he’s like, ‘Can you see it?’” says Ripa. “If I plucked out my gray hairs, I’d be bald. Completely bald. Totally bald,” she added.

And Consuelos would tease her over this. During a prior episode, Ripa talked about the benefits of Botox for relaxing the jaw muscles and preventing chronic teeth grinding. With “Criminal Minds” star Adam Rodriguez as their guest, Ripa explained that Botox helped solve her teeth-clenching problems. Instead of contributing to the conversation, however, Consuelos chimed in by mimicking Ripa’s face every time she gets new injections and warning Rodriguez, “You won’t be able to smile or do anything else,” (via Hello!). When Ripa protested that she doesn’t look like that, Consuelos continued to make fun of her, much to his wife’s annoyance (and perhaps, exasperation).

“Just remember this statement tonight when you start rubbing up against me,” Ripa scolded her husband. “I don’t want to have a debate like, ‘What’s wrong? What’s the matter? Why are you ignoring me?’” She was obviously kidding, but it felt like there was some underlying tension there.

Consuelos hints he and Ripa don’t talk off-air

In March 2026, Mark Consuelos joined “Summer House” alum KJ Dillard as guests on the late-night show “Watch What Happens Live” hosted by Andy Cohen. During a segment, the actor dished on his marriage to Kelly Ripa after an audience member asked if they’ve ever disagreed about things that were said or discussed on their show. “Have there been any on-air conversations with Kelly that led to arguments at home?” the fan wondered. Consuelos answered no. “But, sometimes we bring up stuff on air because it’s kind of a safe space,” he candidly stated. “Because there’s an audience there, you can kind of make a joke out of it.”

That can’t possibly be healthy. Cohen, however, could see the point he was trying to make. He said, “Right. I love it when Page Six will be like, ‘Mark and Kelly had a huge fight today on the show,’” prompting Consuelos to react defensively, “Oh, no, never.” The Bravo star went on, “And I’m like, oh my God, what did they talk about? And it’s like, it’s amazing: leaving for the airport early,” appearing to reference a “Live with Kelly and Mark” episode in which Ripa and Consuelos talked about the concept of an “airport divorce.” “Yeah, no,” Consuelos agreed.

Fans couldn’t help finding his answer a little suspicious. “He answered too quickly. I bet they don’t talk off air,” one Instagram user proposed. Others observed there was something off about his body language. “He looks like he is afraid of Kelly,” someone posited, while another person remarked, “BS!!! Mark is so unhappy.” Given this, and their strange behavior at the 2026 Oscars, we’re starting to think that their marriage may not be as picture-perfect as it seems. 



Shock Wedding Cancellation: Bride Chooses Overseas Opportunity Over Marriage

A bride-to-be has ignited online debate after reportedly canceling her wedding plans in favor of accepting a visa to move abroad with a wealthier suitor.

The wedding, originally set for April 20, was abruptly called off, leaving friends, family, and social media followers astounded by the surprising change of plans.

Scheduled Marriage Abruptly Called Off

Nelson Abani shared details of the situation on Facebook, stating that the bride chose the chance to relocate abroad over her upcoming nuptials.

This decision has triggered a heated discussion online. While some individuals support her decision to prioritize her future, others criticize it as a rash and opportunistic move.

Mixed Reactions on Social Media

The cancellation has sparked widespread discussion online, with some people defending her right to choose her future, while others criticized the move as unwise and opportunistic.

Sharing the heartbreaking news online, Nelson Abani wrote:

“I don’t know why ba•d things always happen to good people 💔

She called off the wedding because a richer man offered her visa abroad if she will marry him 🤦🏾‍♂️

Is love all about money? Why can’t we love for love?

The marriage is officially cancelled ❌

Loveth this move is mostly unwise.”

See below;

Hometown Hero Firefighter Helps Secure Victory at Augusta National Women’s Amateur

AUGUSTA, Ga. — When firefighting is your profession, the concept of pressure takes on a different meaning. On Saturday, during the final round of the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), a local firefighter found himself thrust into the spotlight of women’s golf. Darren Woo, a firefighter at Savannah River Site, also lends his expertise as a caddie at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans. This dual role led to his fortuitous meeting with the eventual ANWA winner, Maria Jose Marin.

“We crossed paths about two weeks ago at Champions Retreat,” Woo recounted. “It was a Saturday, possibly two or three weeks back, when Maria, along with her Arkansas teammates Sara Brentcheneff and Reagan Zibilski, came for a practice session. Reagan’s father was also present, and I introduced them to Champions Retreat.”

Augusta National Women’s Amateur Champion Maria Jose Marin of Colombia embraces caddie Darren Woo after sinking the winning putt on No. 18 during the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 04, 2026.

Unbeknownst to them, this meeting laid the foundation for a historic partnership. After returning to the University of Arkansas, where she is a junior and the current NCAA champion, Marin received advice from her coach, Shauna Taylor—a former golf standout at the University of Georgia—to enlist Woo as her caddie for the ANWA.

“I felt privileged when she reached out to me—I’m just trying to juggle being a dad,” said Woo, who is a father to five sons and a grandfather to a three-year-old girl. “My approach was to treat her like my own daughter, boosting her confidence and offering continuous encouragement.”

“I was fortunate enough that she called me — I’m just trying to be a dad,” said Woo, who has five sons and a three year-old granddaughter. “So pretty much all it was was treating her like a daughter of mine and continue to build her confidence, continue to just kind of encouraging her.

Augusta National Women’s Amateur Champion Maria Jose Marin of Colombia pars No. 18 as caddie Darren Woo clinches his fist to celebrate her victory during the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 04, 2026.

“There were times where she could have gotten down, and I said, hey, just be patient; it’s there. It was like a father-daughter relationship.”

In two weeks, the two developed a symbiotic relationship that resulted in making ANWA history when Marin set the tournament scoring record and became the first champion from Latin America and Colombia.

Augusta National Women’s Amateur Champion Maria Jose Marin of Colombia’s caddie Darren Woo replaces the No. 18 flagstick during the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 04, 2026.

“With Mr. Darren, I think he was my greatest support during the whole week and a key to the victory,” Marin said. “He kept me calm through the whole round, same as in Champions Retreat. Of course this round was extra special because of course it’s a round at Augusta, and there’s a lot of pressure.

“Every time that I did a bad shot, he’s like, well, breathe, calm down. You’re going to work it out. It’s fine. Give yourself a chance. Nothing happened. Keep your head up. I think all of his words of encouragement just helped me get the win today and get my mind on the goal.”

Augusta National Women’s Amateur Champion Maria Jose Marin of Colombia poses with the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Trophy and her caddie Darren Woo following the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 04, 2026.

Used to fighting flames, on Saturday Woo was stoking them.

“She was on fire herself,” he said. “I was not putting that fire out. She was hitting it well, and I just — she was surprised when she hit the 3-wood up to the top on 18, and I said, the juices are — she was pumped. She was stoked.”

Maria Jose Marin of Colombia caddie following the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club, Saturday, April 04, 2026.

Illini Freshmen Cherish Unforgettable Season of Success


INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WCIA) — In the span of a single season, the freshman recruits for the Fighting Illini have showcased skills beyond their years, contributing to the team’s most triumphant year in two decades.

The 2025-26 campaign of the Fighting Illini is inseparable from the stellar performances of Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic. Both players not only amassed numerous individual awards, including repeated Big Ten Freshman of the Week titles, but their impactful first-year efforts propelled the team to the season’s climactic conclusion on college basketball’s grandest platform.

Michigan’s Final Four Triumph: Top Performers and Unexpected Surprises Against Arizona

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Michigan’s Triumph: Key Players and Moments from Their 91-73 Victory Over Arizona

Hero

As Michigan powered its way to a commanding 91-73 win over Arizona, securing a spot in the NCAA championship for the first time in eight years, one player stood out: Aday Mara. Formerly under the guidance of UCLA coach Mick Cronin, Mara displayed a dominant performance in the national semifinal, leaving a significant impression. He outshone Arizona’s 7-footer, Motiejus Krivas, by racking up 26 points, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and blocking two shots.

Zero

For Arizona, the spotlight was meant to be on Jaden Bradley. However, the Big 12 Player of the Year found himself shackled by foul trouble, limiting his impact on the game. Bradley did manage to contribute 13 points, but his performance was blemished by three turnovers and just one assist, falling short against Michigan’s adept floor leader, Elliot Cadeau.


Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) dunks against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) dunks against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Unsung Hero

Cadeau, a junior point guard who has faced his fair share of skepticism, continues to prove critics wrong. The transfer from North Carolina, originally from West Orange, N.J., delivered an impressive display against Arizona. Cadeau orchestrated Michigan’s offense with finesse, recording 13 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds, further solidifying his role as a key player for the Wolverines.

Key Stat

Michigan’s journey through the NCAA Tournament has been marked by dominance, as evidenced by their average margin of victory, which stands at an impressive 21.6 points.

Quote of the Day

“I’m going to push through and there’s no way I’m missing the game on Monday night. I’m gonna play unless I can’t walk at all.” — Yaxel Lendeborg on his sprained left ankle and left knee injury he suffered in the first half.

Discover Eco-Magic: How Disneyland Resort and National Geographic Unite for Earth Month Extravaganza

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ANAHEIM, Calif. — As Earth Month unfolds, Disney and National Geographic are inviting families to dive into the marvels of our planet with a celebration that spans the entire month. This event is designed to captivate audiences with compelling stories and engaging experiences.

The festivities kick off with the global premieres of National Geographic’s “Secrets of the Bees” and Disneynature’s “Orangutan.” This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund, complemented by special programming across Disney’s broadcast and streaming services.

In a collaborative effort, Disneyland Resort and National Geographic are offering visitors the chance to partake in Earth Month through a variety of interactive events and activities.

During the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, On The Red Carpet met with National Geographic Explorer Dr. Sammy Ramsey. He was there to lead a unique “Secrets of the Bees” activation weekend.

Dr. Ramsey shared, “Being here at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is fantastic. The foods featured are all linked to the efforts of bees, from pistachios to a variety of nuts. It’s amazing to see how these elements are seamlessly integrated into the dishes, and the taste is incredible.”

Dr. Sammy Ramsey is featured in the “Secrets of the Bees” special, which hails from executive producer James Cameron, adding an un-bee-lievabale new installment of the Emmy-winning “Secrets of” series.

“The entire ‘Secrets of’ series, you’ll notice that we chose animals that people feel like they already know a lot about already. They’re all recognizable. The elephants, the whales, the penguins, the octopus, the bees. But then we take that opportunity to show you a whole new world, see what I did there? Very Disney. A whole new world in those organisms. All of the incredible things they do that you can easily miss, and then we remind you how important it is to care for and steward those organisms. There is no better time to remind of you of this than Earth Month, when we all need to have this on our minds,” he explains.

Across Disneyland Resort hotels, guests will encounter a National Geographic-themed experiential pop-up, complete with an iconic Nat Geo Yellow Border photo opportunity, lawn games and more.

In Disney California Adventure, celebrate the series with the “Secrets of the Bees” photo-op at the Brownstones in Hollywood Land. Then, for guests 21+, check out the Cluck-a-Doodle-Moo Food & Wine Booth for the National Geographic Hot Honey White Sangria.

Guests visiting Disneyland Resort may also receive the April issue of National Geographic magazine, offering another way to engage with the wonder of the natural world throughout Earth Month.

The Food & Wine Festival will continue until April 27, so guests still have time to explore all of the fun food options.

“Secrets of the Bees” is streaming now on Disney+ and Hulu.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of National Geographic, Disney+, Hulu, Disney Parks and this ABC station.

Copyright © 2026 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.

Reports indicate a second US airman from the downed jet has been successfully rescued from Iran.

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The second U.S. airman, previously reported missing in Iran, has been successfully rescued by U.S. forces in a bold operation, according to President Trump.

Trump lauded the mission on Saturday night, describing it as “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History.” The operation involved the extraction of a colonel from deep within hostile territory.

In a nod to former President Obama’s iconic announcement after the 2011 Navy SEAL operation that resulted in Osama bin Laden’s death, Trump opened his statement with a triumphant “WE GOT HIM!”

Trump detailed the colonel’s ordeal, explaining that the soldier was stranded behind enemy lines in Iran’s perilous mountains, narrowly evading capture by adversaries closing in rapidly. This update was shared on Trump’s Truth Social account.

Despite sustaining injuries during an intense firefight with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the colonel is reported to be “safe and sound,” Trump confirmed.

The airman ejected from an F-15E fighter jet along with the aircraft’s pilot in the early hours of Friday, sparking a frantic two-day search operation that culminated in a fierce firefight. 

Trump said the aircraft’s pilot was secretly rescued hours after the crash, but that operation was kept quiet to not ‘jeopardize our second rescue operation.’ 

The F-15E jet was downed on Friday soon after a US A-10 Warthog was also shot down by Iranian forces in a chaotic day of fighting, marking the first US aircraft downed since the start of the conflict. 

A second US airman shot down over Iran has been rescued in a daring rescue mission following a fierce firefight with the IRGC, reports say. The wreckage of the pilot's F-15E fighter jet is pictured

A second US airman shot down over Iran has been rescued in a daring rescue mission following a fierce firefight with the IRGC, reports say. The wreckage of the pilot’s F-15E fighter jet is pictured

Pictured: The ejected seat from the US aircraft as published in Iranian media

Pictured: The ejected seat from the US aircraft as published in Iranian media  

Trump touted the success of the rescue mission on Saturday evening. In a playful echo of President Obama's famous words after US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, Trump began his statement announcing the news: 'WE GOT HIM'

Trump touted the success of the rescue mission on Saturday evening. In a playful echo of President Obama’s famous words after US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, Trump began his statement announcing the news: ‘WE GOT HIM’

It came after Trump said earlier on Truth Social that US forces had ‘terminated’ several of Iran’s military leaders, sharing footage appearing to show an airstrike taking out top IRGC commanders.

Trump’s social media posts praising the rescue operations came hours after the White House furiously shut down rumors the president was hospitalized on Saturday, saying he has not made public appearances in three days because he is focusing on the conflict with Iran. 

Following the downing of two US aircrafts on Friday, Iran placed a large bounty on the heads of the US airmen, vowing to seek revenge on US military forces for the conflict. 

Before the rescue mission took place, the official X account for the Iranian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, released harrowing new images of the destroyed F-15E jet, accompanied by a taunting caption.

‘The stealth fighter that now has no escape but to lie under the feet of aerospace warriors,’ the embassy wrote.

‘That same stealth giant, for which they wove legends for years, is today a pile of scrap metal fallen to the ground – this is the very technology they claimed was invisible and untouchable,’ it added. ‘But now it has been seen and brought down.’ 

While the pilot was rescued quickly, the second member of the crew, a Weapons Systems Officer, used specialized survival techniques to evade capture long enough to be saved, Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin said in an X post on Saturday night. 

The soldier used SERE – survival, evasion, resistance and escape – training to evade capture, hiking up an elevated ridge away from the wreckage and putting out an emergency beacon in hopes of being located. 

Griffin said a number of Iranian military forces were killed and injured in the operation, but no US soldiers were killed.  

Trump said earlier on Truth Social that US forces had 'terminated' several of Iran's military leaders, sharing footage appearing to show an airstrike taking out top IRGC commanders

Trump said earlier on Truth Social that US forces had ‘terminated’ several of Iran’s military leaders, sharing footage appearing to show an airstrike taking out top IRGC commanders

The Iranian military previously shared footage appearing to show the F-15E fighter jet being blown out of the sky

The Iranian military previously shared footage appearing to show the F-15E fighter jet being blown out of the sky 

A US official told Fox News the mission was ‘very complex’, and involved several branches of the US military to find and rescue the airman. 

During search and rescue operations on Friday, two rescue helicopters were hit by Iranian forces and crew members on board were injured. 

As Iranian forces closed in on the stranded airman, footage circulating on social media appeared to show members of Iran’s Bakhtiari tribes in Khuzestan heading into the mountains, rifles in hand, to search for the American soldier. 

Iranians have been offered a $60,000 bounty for the pilot’s ‘head,’ while Trump declined to comment on how he would respond if the airman were to have been harmed.

Broadcasters urged locals near the crash site to seize the American, telling viewers, ‘If you capture the enemy pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to the police you will receive a precious prize.’

News channels also flashed messages on screen of ‘shoot them if you see them’ and showed footage of villagers scouring a rocky hillside.

In a gloating online statement, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf taunted the US and Trump over his repeated claims of winning the war.

‘After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from “regime change” to “Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?”’ Ghalibaf wrote.