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.
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.
Australia’s richest person has questioned the value of the investigation into accused war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith after the SAS veteran was arrested and charged yesterday.
“I don’t understand how it can be justified to spend more than $300 million to try for years to bring SAS veterans, who have served our country, towards criminal proceedings, and most recently the arrest of Ben,” mining mogul Gina Rinehart said in a statement.
Australia’s most decorated soldier, Roberts-Smith, known for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, was apprehended at Sydney Domestic Airport yesterday. He now faces charges of five counts of murder related to war crimes.
Gina Rinehart has issued a statement after Ben Roberts-Smith was charged with war crimes. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
The incidents in question reportedly occurred in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.
Roberts-Smith has persistently maintained his innocence against these accusations.
In a statement, Rinehart expressed concerns, saying, “Have we forgotten that our country’s defence is currently lacking, especially in these uncertain times? The morale of our defence force has hit its lowest point since its inception, with personnel numbers falling short and recruitment efforts struggling.”
Images supplied by the Australian Federal Police show Roberts-smith being handcuffed within an air bridge at Sydney Airport. (AFP)
Rinehart further argued, “It seems the more than $300 million of taxpayer money could have been better allocated towards bolstering Australia’s security, ensuring the safety of Australians from terrorism, and removing terrorists and their allies from our nation.”
“Like many Australians, I hope that compassion and the Aussie spirit is extended to Ben and his family and his duty to our country in the hardship of war is never forgotten.”
One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson supports Roberts-Smith. (Alex Ellinghausen)
“I remain steadfast in my support of Ben Roberts-Smith despite news of his arrest today,” Hanson said yesterday.
“Ben, his immediate and broader defence family need the Australian people’s support right now and I will not abandon him like so many other politicians.
“Ben was disgracefully arrested in front of his twin 15-year-old girls.”
Roberts-Smith is Australia’s most decorated soldier. (Sam Mooy)
She said Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator had “spent $300 million over 10 years to get to this point”.
The investigation into Roberts-Smith was opened in 2021, AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said yesterday.
Abbott said he had an “instinctive sympathy” for Roberts-Smith and queried why charges were not brought earlier.
“If Ben Roberts-Smith transgressed, why wasn’t this picked up prior to his gallantry awards and why wasn’t any culture of brutality towards prisoners detected by his more senior officers, and dealt with quickly, rather than being allowed to fester, as has been alleged, for over a decade?” he said.
OSI director of investigations Ross Barnett yesterday elaborated on the length of the investigation, pointing out that there was no access to crime scenes 9000km away, nor even an autopsy of the alleged victims.
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Authorities in Florida are on the hunt for a woman accused of siphoning off thousands of dollars from local homeowners’ associations. The funds, they allege, were used to finance a lavish lifestyle that included plastic surgery, shopping sprees, and extravagant vacations.
Alexandra Delacaridad Gonzalez, who worked as a bookkeeper for Avant-Garde Property Management, is facing serious charges including two counts of fraud over $50,000, two counts of grand theft, 61 counts of uttering false instruments, and 59 counts of embezzlement. This information, released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, highlights the gravity of the situation, with her bond set at an imposing $1,350,000.
Gonzalez is said to have manipulated the financial records of the homeowners’ associations she managed. By writing checks to herself and creating fictitious invoices and ledger entries, she allegedly forged the signatures of those authorized to access the accounts, according to the sheriff’s office.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek elaborated on the scheme, as reported by WPBF. The suspect initially withdrew smaller increments of around $2,000 multiple times a week, amassing approximately $10,000 weekly. Over time, these transactions increased to $5,000 each, at which point her actions caught up with her, resulting in her termination and the issuance of an arrest warrant.
Further reports from KVAL 13 indicate that Gonzalez used the pilfered cash for trips to destinations like Disney World and New York, underscoring the extravagant nature of her expenditures. The ongoing investigation aims to bring clarity and justice to those affected by her alleged misconduct.
Now, homeowners may have to pay the price for Gonzalez’s alleged actions.
“Could they get higher HOA fees? The answer is yes, potentially,” Budensiek said, according to WPBF. “I mean, $200,000 for an HOA is a lot of money and so, we’re actually furious at this lady [who] had the nerve to do what she did and take advantage of our citizens.”
Police have identified Whitemarsh Reserve Homeowners Association and The Dunes of Hutchinson Island as victims.
A spokesperson from Avant‑Garde Property Management did not immediately return a call for comment from Oxygen. Budensiek said, according to KVAL 13, that the owner of Avant-Garde was “embarrassed and mortified” by Gonzalez’s alleged actions.
Police say they believe that Gonzalez might be in Miramar in Broward County or Vero Beach area in Indian River County, per the release, and urge anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Leading security analysts have issued a stark warning that the potential for Iranian attacks on U.S. soil has significantly increased following former President Donald Trump’s recent threats to obliterate the nation’s “entire civilization.”
This alert was issued shortly after the White House disclosed that it had identified cyberattacks from Iran targeting American water and energy infrastructures.
In response, the FBI and Joint Terrorism Task Forces have heightened their vigilance, implementing increased security measures in major cities across the country.
In what appeared to be a retaliatory move, several semi-official Iranian news outlets circulated documents purportedly from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These documents reportedly included a list of offshore Israeli gas fields marked as potential targets for Iran’s counteractions following Trump’s statements.
Although there have been no direct attacks on U.S. territory as yet, former U.S. officials expressed to the Daily Mail that the likelihood of such incidents rises as Iran’s desperation escalates.
Jen Gavito, a former diplomat and Pentagon adviser now at The Cohen Group, said Iran’s ‘asymmetric toolkit’ poses the greatest danger.
She warned that Tehran prefers deniable, indirect attacks rather than open military confrontation with the US.
Its record includes assassination plots, cyber intrusions and overseas bombings, including the 1994 Buenos Aires attack that killed 85 people.
Soccer World Cup venues, such as the MetLife Stadium in New Jerse, make for potential targets in the US, said Charles Marino
Iranians gathered at infrastructure sites including bridges and power plants as they taunted Trump’s message of annihilation
‘There is an escalatory ladder on their side as well,’ Gavito said, warning Iran has multiple ways to intensify its response.
US President Trump has set an 8pm ET Tuesday deadline for Iran to strike a deal – or face sweeping attacks on bridges and power stations.
Federal counterterror teams have quietly been spreading across the country, preparing for multiple scenarios since the war began in the Middle East.
Officials stress there is no confirmed, credible threat to the homeland – but the risks being modeled are deeply unsettling.
Those scenarios include sleeper cells suddenly activating, lone attackers acting independently and even contract killers targeting US politicians.
If Trump follows through on his threat of escalation, Gavito said it is ‘far more likely’ those methods will be deployed.
So far, Iran has focused retaliation on Israel, US bases and global energy routes, including disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Stefano Ritondale warns of new terrorist cells in a ravaged Iran
That vital waterway carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil in peacetime, making it a critical global pressure point.
On Tuesday, a purported Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps document circulated on Telegram by the semi-official Iranian Tasnim News Agency highlighted Israel’s Karish gas field and Tanin gas field as strategic targets. These critical offshore assets underpin Israel’s energy supply, economy and regional influence.
The critical offshore assets underpin Israel’s energy supply, economy and regional influence.
But Gavito and other experts warn that while Iran still appears to be targeting strategic, rather than civilian, targets, Tehran could still turn its sights on the US homeland.
And there are already signs of it happening.
Earlier today, the Trump administration said that hackers backed by the IRGC had begun a series of cyberattacks on water and energy systems across the US.
The alert did not specify which facilities were targeted or whether any damage had occurred.
Officials said the attacks were aimed at equipment produced by a major American manufacturer of industrial control systems.
The advisory, issued jointly by the FBI, the National Security Agency, the Energy Department, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said the attack was meant to ’cause disruptive effects within the United States.’
Trump said he would target power plants and civilian bridges
Smoke and flames rise behind buildings after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, on another day of strikes by US and Israeli forces
But the deeper fear among intelligence officials is terrorist attacks and the activation of sleeper cells.
Charles Marino, a former Homeland Security (DHS) adviser and Secret Service supervisor, warned that attackers seeking mass casualties would likely target soft sites with large crowds and limited security.
These include concerts, sporting events and busy public spaces where people gather in large numbers.
One looming concern is the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will draw global crowds and intense media attention.
Such events have historically attracted extremist plots aiming for maximum visibility and impact.
Marino pointed to the 2008 Mumbai attacks by Islamic terrorists as a chilling example of coordinated strikes.
In that attack, multiple teams hit different locations in quick succession, killing 166 people and paralyzing the city.
He urged DHS to raise the national threat level immediately and expand security measures nationwide.
‘Is it possible you have 10, 15, 20 people… carrying out near-simultaneous attacks? Yes,’ Marino said.
US Navy fighter jets take off from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Operation Epic Fury
Marino argues the threat has been building for years, not emerging suddenly in the current crisis.
Groups backed by Tehran, including Hezbollah and Hamas, have maintained long-term networks. These networks could in theory be activated if tensions escalate further.
He also pointed to border vulnerabilities, noting migrants have entered from more than 180 countries, including regions with extremist activity.
While not evidence of infiltration, officials acknowledge the complexity of monitoring potential risks across such a vast system.
If Marino fears organized plots, former FBI agent Jason Pack sees a more unpredictable and immediate danger.
He warned the greatest risk may come from lone individuals already inside the US, radicalized and waiting for a trigger.
‘The most immediate domestic threat… is the self-radicalized individual already living inside the US,’ Pack said.
He noted Iranian-linked media have publicly named US and Israeli targets, stopping short of direct orders but encouraging violence.
This approach allows Tehran to maintain plausible deniability while still inciting potential attackers.
‘Iran doesn’t do things like Pearl Harbors,’ Pack said. ‘They do more slow bleeds – proxies and cutouts.’
That strategy makes detection harder, as attackers often operate without direct ties to foreign handlers.
The US hit dozens of military targets on Kharg Island, a crucial Iranian oil export hub, overnight
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have placed counterterrorism and intelligence units on heightened alert
Many have no criminal history, no suspicious travel and no obvious warning signs until they act.
The gap between suspicion and legal action, Pack said, is exactly where the danger lies.
Despite the warnings, he stressed that US counterterrorism agencies have spent years tracking Iran-linked threats.
‘The American people should be alert, not afraid,’ he said, urging vigilance without panic.
Yet some experts believe the greatest risk may emerge after the conflict ends, not during its peak.
Stefano Ritondale, a geopolitical intelligence analyst, warns that regime instability could create more dangerous outcomes.
He said a fractured Iran could produce extremist splinter groups more unpredictable than the current government.
Ritondale draws comparisons to Iraq after the fall of the Ba’ath Party. That collapse helped fuel the rise of al-Qaeda in Iraq, which later evolved into ISIS.
Iran’s missiles, drones and proxy networks would not simply disappear if the regime changes. Instead, they could fall into the hands of splinter factions with global ambitions.
‘Just because the war is over,’ Ritondale warned, ‘the threat of terrorism… would not be over.’
The current crisis began after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28. That offensive rapidly escalated into a regional conflict involving 20 countries and costing thousands of lives.
Starting your day with a healthy exercise routine can significantly enhance core strength and stability.
Prominent figures in the fitness world advocate for the benefits of morning workouts. One such proponent is actor and fitness aficionado Mark Wahlberg, who is committed to his vigorous 4 a.m. training sessions. Wahlberg believes that exercising early gives him a sense of accomplishment and prepares him to “conquer the world.” Scientific research supports this idea, highlighting numerous benefits of morning exercise.
According to Piedmont Healthcare, engaging in exercise early in the day can lead to improved mental clarity, fewer distractions, and a heightened metabolism throughout the day. Establishing a morning routine can ensure that exercise becomes a consistent part of your schedule. An important goal for those aiming to maintain independence and activity as they age is to develop a strong core. Core strength, which involves the muscles in the back, pelvis, and abdomen, is crucial for walking, lifting, bending, and maintaining balance and posture.
We had the opportunity to discuss core-strengthening exercises with Doug Bertram, M.S., L.Ac., MTCM, the founder and CEO of Structural Elements®. Bertram, a seasoned orthopedic wellness expert with over 30 years of experience, is also a three-time Ironman triathlete and ultramarathoner. He shared three morning exercises that can build core strength more efficiently than traditional planks, especially for individuals over 50. Bertram’s Structural Elements® Balancing Method is an innovative integrative approach that prioritizes postural alignment, fascia mapping, and tensegrity-based assessment to enhance physical well-being.
We spoke with Doug Bertram, M.S., L.Ac., MTCM—Founder & CEO of Structural Elements®, a three-time Ironman triathlete, and ultramarathoner—who shares three morning exercises to build core strength faster than planks after 50. With more than 30 years of experience, Bertram has progressed the field of orthopedic wellness by focusing on the body’s structure rather than pain symptoms on their own. He developed the Structural Elements® Balancing Method, an integrative approach emphasizing postural alignment, fascia mapping, and tensegrity-based assessment.
“Core strength often declines after the age of 50 due to several factors, primarily related to the natural aging process,” Bertram tells us. “One significant factor is sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass. As muscle fibers decrease, the core muscles, crucial for stability and support, become weaker. This decline in core strength negatively impacts balance, increasing the risk of falls, which can be particularly dangerous for older adults. Additionally, weakened core muscles contribute to poor posture, leading to discomfort and potential back pain.”
Daily movement can become more laborsome, decreasing overall mobility, confidence, and independence. In addition to sarcopenia, stiffening of the fascia and reduced elasticity of tissues can make you less capable of distributing load.
Which Core Muscles Should Be Prioritized To Build Functional Strength?
Shutterstock
In order to build functional core strength after 50, it’s essential to prioritize specific muscle groups that contribute to overall support and stability.
“The transverse abdominis is essential for stabilizing the pelvis and spine, while the multifidus plays a crucial role in spinal alignment and stability,” Bertram tells us. “The rectus abdominis, commonly known for creating the ‘six-pack,’ is involved in overall core function. Additionally, the obliques are vital for rotational movement and lateral stability. Lastly, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is important for core stability and can improve overall health and function, particularly in maintaining continence.”
Below, Bertram offers three morning moves that can help boost core strength more efficiently than planks. These exercises offer a safe yet effective way to strengthen the essential muscles in your core.
Bird-Dog
“The bird-dog involves starting on all fours and extending one arm and the opposite leg while engaging the core, which enhances stability and activates multiple core muscles,” Bertram says.
Start on all fours.
Extend your left arm and right leg, keeping your core braced.
Hold for a moment before returning to the start position.
Switch sides, continuing to alternate.
Dead Bug
“The dead bug is performed lying on the back with arms extended and knees bent, lowering one arm and the opposite leg without arching the back, promoting core control and stability without straining the back,” Bertram points out.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
Lie face-up on the mattress with your arms extended toward the sky and knees lifted and bent to 90 degrees.
Press your lower back into the mattress as you gradually lower your left arm and extend your right leg.
Return to the center.
Then, lower your right arm and left leg.
Continue to alternate.
Seated Leg Lifts
“Seated leg lifts entail sitting on a sturdy chair and lifting one leg off the ground while engaging the core, making it easier on the joints while effectively strengthening the abdominal muscles,” Bertram says.
Begin seated at the edge of your chair with your legs straight out. Hold onto the sides of the chair.
Activate your abs as you lift both legs and bring your knees toward your chest.
Hold for 2 seconds at the top, making sure not to round your back.
Kelsey Swanson‘s speculated romantic partner, John Caprio, has responded to the buzz surrounding his potential involvement with her.
After Kelsey made her appearance on the inaugural season of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island last week, John, who is the son of the late judge Frank Caprio, was identified as her possible clandestine companion. In the wake of this speculation, he addressed the rumors about their alleged romance through a statement. Meanwhile, his family’s legal practice, Caprio Law, shared a cryptic post on Instagram featuring his daughter, attorney Sophia Caprio Santilli.
In an Instagram video posted by the law firm on April 5, Sophia made an appearance, set to the backdrop of the Real Housewives theme song.
The caption succinctly stated, “No comment. just counsel.”
Also included in the clip was a message that said, “Breakups are hard. But the reality is … talking through your options doesn’t have to be. Contact us for a consultation.”
Following the sharing of the snippet, Kelsey posted a response in the comments section, featuring a series of emojis, including the laughing while crying emoji, the hands raised emoji, and a red heart emoji.
John also spoke to The Providence Journal on April 6 when they reached out for a statement, telling the outlet, “I respectfully have no comment, but I’m not comfortable answering any questions,”
In addition to John speaking to The Providence Journal, his daughter Sophia spoke out as well, confirming it was her in the Instagram clip and adding, “I have no comment about that. I’m going to let Kelsey tell her story and let the season unfold.”
Even John’s ex-wife, Catherine Caprio, addressed the speculation.
“We want nothing to do with the ‘Real Housewives’ baloney,” she declared.
Reality Blurb also did some digging and found that the popular and legendary Judge Frank Caprio shared a family photo back in September of 2017 in which he tagged Kelsey. John also appears in the picture.
RHORI star Kelsey Swanson poses with Judge Frank Caprio and his son John Caprio in a family photo from December 3, 2017
As RHORI fans may have seen, Kelsey was seen on an episode of Watch What Happens Live last week, where she confirmed her boyfriend was supportive of her role on the show, and admitted that he was a big fan of the Real Housewives franchise.
“He’s the biggest Housewives fan. He’s a reality TV junkie. Hardcore. He knows every season. He knows what season Erika Jayne’s husband [Thomas Girardi] went to jail. He knows everything, and he loves it. Very supportive,” she shared on the April 2 episode.
Kelsey has also made headlines for her supposed past as an escort, which she denied in a comment days ago.
“[I’ve] never have been an escort. Pages were completely made up 10 years ago. State police were involved,” she explained in response to alleged screenshots of her profile.
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island season one airs Sundays at 9/8c on Bravo.
The Royal Navy’s sole warship actively engaged in the conflict with Iran has docked for maintenance, the Daily Mail discloses.
Amid ongoing challenges with HMS Dragon, the Type 45 destroyer dispatched to the conflict zone shortly after hostilities erupted is now compelled to withdraw temporarily.
Last week, the Daily Mail discovered that the vessel was encountering difficulties with its water supply, impacting provisions for its crew. Although the Ministry of Defence initially refuted these allegations, it has now confirmed that the HMS Dragon has made its way to a secure location for necessary repairs.
This docking will address what officials have described as a “minor technical issue with the onboard water systems.”
Defence insiders emphasized that the crew has maintained access to water and food services, and a logistical stop at this juncture in the deployment had been prearranged.
HMS Dragon had been despatched to protect Britain’s air bases in Cyprus, including RAF Akrotiri which was hit by a drone thought to be launched by Iranian proxy group Hezbollah in Lebanon on March 2.
A day after the attack, Keir Starmer announced the deployment of HMS Dragon – but it was a further week until the vessel left Portsmouth after a scramble to get it ready.
Sir Keir has faced significant backlash for the country’s lack of preparedness for war amid the escalating conflict with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth having repeatedly mocked the Royal Navy.
President Trump has described the UK’s aircraft carriers as ‘toys’ while Hegseth talked about the failure of the ‘Big Bad Royal Navy’ to enter the Strait of Hormuz.
The HMS Dragon (pictured on March 4) which is currently deployed in the conflict with Iran has ported due to maintenance issues
Keir Starmer (pictured) has faced repeated jibes from US President Donald Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth over the state of the country’s Royal Navy
While in port HMS Dragon’s weapons and other systems will be ‘further optimised’ allowing for what officials described as ‘greater flexibility for future deployments in the region’.
The precise location of HMS Dragon has not been disclosed for security reasons.
Today the Ministry of Defence said: ‘HMS Dragon is undertaking a routine logistics stop and a short maintenance period in the Eastern Mediterranean allowing the ship to take onboard provisions, optimise systems and conduct maintenance.
‘HMS Dragon will remain at a very high level of readiness during the period, able to sail at short notice if required.
‘The UK continues to maintain a robust and layered defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean working in coordination with allies. This includes Typhoon and F-35 jets, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters and advanced counter-drone and air defence systems.’
The Government faced backlash for its delay in getting HMS Dragon to set sail to the Gulf amid the escalating conflict as it did not have a single major warship in the region when the Iran war broke out on February 28.
It was further criticised when vessels from other European countries – including France and Greece – arrived in the Mediterranean within days of Iran launching retaliatory attacks across the Gulf.
Donald Trump has given Tehran until 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the strait or face obliteration
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Do YOU think this will affect confidence in the UK’s defense capabilities?
Elsewhere, the UK has urged Trump to step back from his threat to wipe out ‘a whole civilisation’ as his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz drew closer.
The US President has given Tehran until 1am on Wednesday UK time to end its blockade of the strait or face obliteration.
Downing Street again said the UK’s focus was on ‘de-escalation’ and a ‘negotiated settlement’ for the region, but Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric and the US-Israeli bombing campaign continued.
Writing on his Truth Social platform he said: ‘A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.’
But Trump, who has previously extended his deadline for action, said the ‘complete and total regime change’ in Iran had resulted in a situation where ‘different, smarter, and less radicalised minds prevail’.
He said: ‘Maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World.’
Trump has said the US will destroy Iran’s bridges and power stations, saying he was ‘not at all’ concerned that attacks on civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime.
Asked whether the UK believed such attacks would breach international law, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: ‘I’m not going to comment or give a running commentary on our allies’ operations.’
As anticipated, Democrats have expressed significant outrage over the United States’ military strikes on Iran. Their main argument is that these actions signify an unnecessary “war of choice.” They have also criticized President Trump and the Department of Defense for not disclosing every detail of Operation Epic Fury, despite the fact that withholding certain information is standard practice during ongoing military engagements for strategic reasons.
Interestingly, this criticism emerges even though Democratic presidents and lawmakers have, at various points, adopted strong stances against Iran, particularly concerning its nuclear ambitions and its longstanding role as a leading state sponsor of terrorism in the Middle East.
Senator John Fetterman stands out as one Democrat maintaining a consistent perspective on the issue. In mid-March, he underscored the importance of Iran as a major security concern. He pointed out, “Every single Democratic presidential candidate has always recognized Iran as a top security issue, and every Democrat in the Senate and the House agrees that Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.”
About the only Democrat who has had their head on straight regarding Iran has been Sen. John Fetterman (D), who in mid-March emphasized the same point: “I would just like to remind everybody watching that every single Democratic presidential candidate always identified that Iran is a top, top security issue, and every single Democrat in the Senate and in the House says we can never allow Iran to acquire a nuclear bomb.”
As the clock ticks down on U.S. President Donald Trump’s ultimatum concerning further assaults on Iranian infrastructure, tensions have escalated with a fresh wave of attacks carried out by both the United States and Israel against Iran. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile strikes targeting Israel and its Gulf Arab allies.
Reports from local media indicate that recent U.S-Israeli airstrikes have led to the complete destruction of a synagogue in Tehran. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has issued a warning to Iranian citizens to steer clear of train travel, suggesting that railway systems might soon become a focus of future airstrikes.
Iran has dismissed offers for a 45-day ceasefire. President Trump, on Monday, expressed no concern over possible war crimes, reiterating threats to demolish Iranian infrastructure—specifically power plants and bridges—if Iran fails to comply with his demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by the set deadline of Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST (Wednesday, 10 a.m. AEST).
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has cautioned the United States that any attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law, as communicated by his spokesperson on Monday.
Thus far, Iran has rebuffed a U.S. proposal, facilitated by Pakistan, which seeks an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, paving the way for broader peace negotiations within the next 15 to 20 days, according to a source familiar with the plan.
However, in what could be a sign of progress, the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan said “positive and productive endeavours” by Pakistan to mediate an end to the war were “approaching a critical, sensitive stage”.
Tehran synagogue ‘completely destroyed’
As Trump’s deadline approaches, Iran’s Mehr news agency and the Shargh newspaper reported on Tuesday that Israeli airstrikes had “completely destroyed” a synagogue in Tehran.
“According to preliminary information, the Rafi-Nia Synagogue … was completely destroyed in this morning’s attacks,” Shargh wrote.
Video from the site posted by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency — which is associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) — showed rescuers moving around and what looked like a book of Hebrew scripture in the rubble.
Homayoun Sameh, who represents the Jewish community in Iran’s parliament, was quoted in state media as saying: “The Zionist regime did not spare the community during Jewish holidays and attacked one of our ancient and holy synagogues.”
“The synagogue building was completely destroyed and our Torah scrolls were left under the rubble,” he added.
Israel’s military had no immediate comment, according to the Reuters news agency.
Judaism is one of Iran’s legally recognised minority religions, and the country has a small Jewish community, although many members fled in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic revolution.
There are no publicly available official numbers, but there are thought to be a few thousand Jewish people in Iran.
Shargh called the synagogue “one of the most important places for Khorasan Jews to gather and celebrate”, referring to the northeastern province of Iran.
Shia Islam is the majority religion in Iran, but the constitution recognises Sunni Islam, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Christianity as minority sects, with each represented in parliament.
‘Your presence puts your life at risk’
Likely signalling a new target for their airstrikes, the Israeli military warned Iranians in Farsi on Tuesday to avoid taking trains until at least 9pm local time.
“Your presence puts your life at risk,” the warning posted on X read.
Iran has shut off access to the internet for weeks, making it difficult for the average Iranians to see these warnings.
However, Farsi-language satellite news networks abroad report them, allowing the information to make its way back into the Islamic Republic.
Following the warning, train travel to and from Iran’s second city of Mashhad was cancelled until further notice on Tuesday, local media reported, citing the governor of the city.
Meanwhile, several fatalities from US-Israeli airstrikes overnight into Tuesday were reported.
At least nine people were killed in the city of Shahriar, while in the city of Pardis, at least six people were killed in a strike, Iranian media reported.
Two people were killed in a US-Israeli attack on a rail bridge in the central Iranian city of Kashan, a regional official told state media on Tuesday.
The Israeli military said it had completed a broad wave of strikes targeting “infrastructure sites” across Iran on Tuesday, without providing details of what the sites were.
“A short while ago, the IDF completed a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting dozens of infrastructure sites belonging to the Iranian terror regime in several areas across Iran,” the military said in a statement.
More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, but the government has not updated the toll for days.
Iranian officials issue a call to arms
As airstrikes against Iran continue, an Iranian official has issued a video message calling on the country’s youth to form “human chains” around power plants in the country ahead of Trump’s threat of expanded strikes.
Alireza Rahimi, identified by Iranian state television as the secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents, issued the video call in a newscast early on Tuesday.
“I invite all young people, athletes, artists, students and university students and their professors,” he said, telling them to gather on “Tuesday at 2pm around the power plants that are our national assets and capital, [and] regardless of any taste or political viewpoint, belong to the future of Iran and to the Iranian youth”.
“We will stand hand in hand to say: Attacking public infrastructure is a war crime,” he said.
Meanwhile, an IRGC general has urged Iranian parents to send their children to man checkpoints.
“Mums, dads, take your kids’ hands and go out on the streets,” General Hossein Yekta, previously identified as leading plainclothes units of the all-volunteer Basij force, said during a broadcast on an Iranian state television channel.
“Do you want your kid to become a real man? Let him feel like a hero standing right at the heart of the battlefield … send your kids to man checkpoints at night; they become men!” he said.
Basij checkpoints have been repeatedly targeted in airstrikes, and the Basij has been accepting children as young as 12 to man them. Amnesty International has warned that some underage recruits are being given firearms, calling their recruitment a war crime.
A member of the Basij paramilitary force stands at a checkpoint in Iran’s capital of Tehran on 29 March. Source: AP / Vahid Salemi
Meanwhile, Iranian state television on Tuesday claimed 14 million people had volunteered to fight for the country if there is a ground invasion by the US and Israel.
The claimed number, which included no other information, doubles a 2 April claim by the Iranian parliament’s speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who said seven million Iranians had volunteered.
State media and text message campaigns have urged people to volunteer, and the government has also called on retired soldiers to express their interest in fighting.
On 5 April, the Mizan news outlet of Iran’s judiciary said that the state had executed two men convicted of attempting to storm a military facility and access an armoury during the unrest in January, according to a Reuters report.
The men were among a group of four in the same case who faced execution, according to rights group Amnesty International, with Iran executing an 18-year-old convicted in the same case.
In a recent report, Amnesty said 11 men faced a risk of imminent execution for participation in the protests.
Missile debris reportedly falls near Saudi energy infrastructure
Iran has also continued to launch airstrikes at Gulf countries allied to the US, which have so far avoided directly joining the war for fear of further escalation.
Saudi Arabia said early Tuesday that seven ballistic missiles from Iran targeted the kingdom’s oil-rich Eastern Province, with “debris from the missiles” crashing into the ground near energy facilities.
The brief statement from Major General Turki al-Malki, a spokesperson for the Saudi military, did not elaborate on the extent of the damage on the ground, though he said an “assessment is underway”.
It wasn’t immediately clear which energy facilities had been impacted.
The kingdom has come under attack from hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones since the US and Israel launched the war on Iran on 28 February, most of which were intercepted, authorities have said.
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued simultaneous public safety alerts on Tuesday, while the bridge that connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain was briefly closed as a precautionary measure following warning alerts.
The King Fahd Causeway, a key bridge linking Saudi Arabia to the island kingdom of Bahrain, closed early on Tuesday over threats from Iranian attacks.
Vehicle movements had been “suspended as a precautionary measure” over Iranian attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, the authority said.
The 25-kilometre bridge is the only connection by road for Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, to the Arabian Peninsula.
While there has been no formal threat against the King Fahd Causeway, some hard-liners within Iran have identified it as a possible target.
Since the war started, more than two dozen people have been killed by Iranian attacks in Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, while 23 have been reported dead in Israel, and 13 US service members have been killed.
A chaotic scene unfolded on Tybee Island, Georgia, when a large group of teenagers descended upon the area for a takeover event, only to be sent into a panic by gunfire near the pier.
The Tybee Island Police Department reported that they were called to action around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, as a crowd of hundreds had congregated at the popular Pier and Pavilion area, known for its relaxed beach atmosphere.
During this spontaneous, unauthorized gathering, officers on the scene heard a gunshot, prompting the crowd to disperse frantically.
Footage released by the police department shows a mass of teenagers fleeing the area in response to the gunfire.
On Saturday night, the unapproved event on Tybee Island ended abruptly when shots were fired near the pier, causing widespread alarm among attendees, according to the Tybee Island Police Department.
Visitors on the island who were nearby when it happened said the scene turned chaotic.
“Out there were like 15 girls. Came out yelling at us two last night for no reason,” the visitors, who asked not to be identified, told WTOC-TV.
“We were here, but, like, it was like, drunk white girls. Just a cloud of white girls just walking around.”
A large, unpermitted gathering on Tybee Island ended in panic Saturday night after police say gunfire broke out along the pier.(Tybee Island Police Department)
After reviewing 911 calls and video, Tybee Island detectives said that they believe that the gunshot may have originated from the beach below.
Now, the department is looking for two individuals who they say were captured emerging from the darkness beneath the pier and pavilion at the end of the video.
“We believe they may have pertinent information to share about this investigation,” police said. “If you know who these individuals are, or if one of them is YOU, it is important to contact Detective Sam Stuber at (912)786-5600 or sstuber@cityoftybee.gov.”
Tybee Island Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse with colonial era ties near Savannah, Georgia. Classic lighthouse image with fluffy clouds and sunny skies.(iStock)
Tybee Island is a barrier island on Georgia’s Atlantic coast, about 18 miles east of downtown Savannah.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Tybee Island Police Department for additional information.
On April 6, 2026, CBS revealed that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will conclude its 11-year journey with a final broadcast on May 21. Following this, starting May 22, viewers can catch two consecutive half-hour episodes of Allen’s “Comics Unleashed” at 11:35 p.m. ET, succeeded by his game show “Funny You Should Ask” at 12:35 a.m.
In a statement, Allen shared his thoughts on the transition, saying, “I launched ‘Comics Unleashed’ two decades ago to provide my fellow comedians with a stage to bring joy through laughter. I’m grateful for CBS’s trust in my vision.”
1979: At just 14 years old, Allen began his journey in stand-up comedy in Los Angeles clubs.
1982: He made history by becoming the youngest comedian to grace “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
1993: Allen established Entertainment Studios, now known as Allen Media Group.
2006: Launches “Comics Unleashed” in syndication.
2025: CBS announces Colbert’s departure; Allen publicly campaigns for the slot.
May 22, 2026: “Comics Unleashed” debuts on CBS prime late-night.
‘The Late Show’ Will Be Replaced by Byron Allen’s ‘Comics Unleashed,’ CBS Says https://t.co/WqBMeZdVvi CBS is dying.
— Laura🇺🇸 #ImpeachAndRemoveTrump (@leglobo_laura) April 7, 2026
The Love Story: How Byron Allen Met Producer Jennifer Lucas
Byron Allen and Jennifer Lucas first crossed paths in April 2001 while working in entertainment. At the time, Lucas was a supervising producer at Allen’s Entertainment Studios. Their professional relationship quickly evolved into romance, leading to six years of dating before marriage.
Lucas has described Allen as her “best friend” who “makes her laugh” and called him “the smartest person” she ever met. The couple kept their relationship largely private during those early years, avoiding media scrutiny.
Byron Allen and Jennifer Lucas: 19 Years of Marriage and Success
The couple married on September 1, 2007, at the historic Hotel Bel-Air in Beverly Hills. Approximately 120 guests attended, including entertainment icons Eddie Murphy and Natalie Cole.
Over nearly two decades, Lucas has transitioned from supervising producer to Emmy award-winning executive. Her film credits include “47 Meters Down” (2017), “Replicas” (2018), and “Boss Level” (2020). She also produces “Comics Unleashed” and “The Grio Awards.”
Raising Three Children: Inside Byron Allen’s Family Life
Allen and Lucas share three children. Daughter Chloe Ava Allen was born August 22, 2008. Daughter Olivia Rose Allen arrived April 7, 2010. Son Lucas Byron Allen was born December 11, 2012.
The family maintains a low-key public presence despite Allen’s high-profile career. They reside in a $17 million Beverly Hills mansion purchased in 2012, featuring seven bedrooms and ten bathrooms. The children occasionally appear with parents at Entertainment Studios film premieres.
Byron Allen’s Proposal to Jennifer Lucas on Christmas Day
Allen proposed to Lucas in December 2006 during a holiday trip to Maui, Hawaii. The intimate engagement reflected the couple’s preference for privacy despite their Hollywood connections.
Lucas told People magazine following the engagement that Allen was “going to be an amazing dad.” The couple married nine months later, beginning a partnership that would span nearly two decades of media empire building.
Comics Unleashed Evolution: Byron Allen Brings It to CBS Prime Time
“Comics Unleashed” debuted in September 2006, featuring a rotating panel of comedians offering humorous takes on current topics. Unlike traditional late-night shows, Allen prioritizes “family-friendly and advertiser-friendly” content.
“I tell the comedians we’re shooting ‘I Love Lucy’ — something that’s evergreen,” Allen told the Los Angeles Times in 2025. “So I don’t want to hear any political humor. Just be funny.” The show had sporadically produced new episodes but resumed production for the 2025-26 season.
What CBS Late Night Change Means for Viewers and Comedy
The shift from Colbert’s political satire to Allen’s apolitical comedy block represents a fundamental programming philosophy change. CBS brass called the decision to end Colbert’s show “purely financial,” citing “a challenging backdrop of late night.”
For viewers, this means less political commentary and more traditional stand-up comedy. Allen’s two-hour block will also stream live on Paramount+, maintaining accessibility for cord-cutters.
Power Couple Dynamics: Jennifer Lucas’ Role in Byron Allen’s Empire
Jennifer Lucas serves as a producer at Allen Media Group, working on “Comics Unleashed,” “Beautiful Homes & Great Estates,” and other company projects. Her production expertise complements Allen’s business acumen.
The couple’s professional collaboration extends beyond production. Lucas began her career at MTV Networks, producing shows including “DisMissed” and earning multiple Emmy nominations. Her entertainment industry experience predates her marriage to Allen.
Byron Allen’s Vision for Family-Friendly Late Night TV
Allen has been clear about his programming philosophy: no politics, no controversy just comedy. He envisions “Comics Unleashed” as evergreen content that remains relevant for years, similar to classic sitcoms.
“The world can never have enough laughter,” Allen said in his CBS announcement statement. This vision aligns with his broader media strategy of acquiring mainstream outlets like The Weather Channel while maintaining family-friendly programming across his networks.
Allen’s net worth is estimated at $1 billion, with Allen Media Group owning 27 broadcast television stations, The Weather Channel, and multiple cable networks. In March 2026, he acquired an 11% stake in Starz Entertainment for $25 million.
Industry observers note that Lucas provides creative stability while Allen handles business expansion. The couple’s 19-year marriage has weathered Allen’s high-profile legal battles, including a $10 billion racial discrimination lawsuit against McDonald’s settled in June 2025.
