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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.
In Peoria, Illinois, a significant milestone is approaching for the Catholic community during this Easter season. Amidst the rising number of Catholic conversions, a beloved figure from the past is on the verge of being recognized as a saint.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen, originally from Illinois, has been a beacon of faith for many. The Vatican has recently given its approval for his beatification, bringing him one step closer to sainthood.
ABC7 has connected with the family involved in the miraculous event that has been pivotal in this process. Their story is integral to the journey of Archbishop Sheen towards sainthood.
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Archbishop Sheen was a pioneer of religious broadcasting during the early days of television. His charisma and ability to connect with audiences earned him the moniker “America’s Bishop,” as he brought spiritual teachings into countless homes across the country.
In the early days of television, Archbishop Sheen built a following that spanned the nation earning the nickname “America’s Bishop.”
“If Fulton Sheen were alive today, you would find him on TikTok, and you would find him on Instagram, and you would find him on all the social media podcasts, because that’s what he wanted to do,” said Bishop Louis Tylka with the Diocese of Peoria.
The pioneer televangelist’s radio and television programs reached millions in the 50s and 60s.
“Everybody was made to feel that they were the most important person with him,” Bishop Tylka said. “He was able to speak truth to power. He spoke the truth of the gospel, and he did so with great wisdom and wit.”
SEE ALSO | Catholic churches expecting largest number of new members in years this Easter
Decades later, the Vatican has cleared the way for his beatification, centered on one reported miracle.
“I just trusted that Fulton Sheen was praying for us,” Bonnie Engstrom said.
In 2010, Engstrom’s son was born without a pulse.
“There was a knot in James’s umbilical cord… and it tightened so much that it cut off his blood supply and his oxygen supply so that when he was born, he was essentially a stillborn baby,” Engstrom said.
Doctors tried to restart her son’s heart, and Engstrom kept praying.
“I do remember very clearly in my head repeating Fulton Sheen’s name over and over and over again,” Engstrom said. “I kind of think it was like my cry for help.”
Then, after more than hour, there was a miracle.
“Everyone took their hands off to call time of death,” Engstrom said. “And it was at that moment after James not having a heartbeat for 61 minutes, that his heart started to beat again. And then it never stopped.”
Engstrom named James Fulton after Sheen. Today he’s a healthy 15-year-old boy.
Engstrom says doctors found no medical explanation. The Vatican later recognized it as a miracle tied to Sheen.
“It’s something that we try to stress to our kids, like you should appreciate this,” Engstrom said. “Our family has a special like footnote in all of church history in a way that most people do not like in the history of the world.”
SEE ALSO | Faithful celebrate Easter Sunday, join worship services across Chicago area
“To have a Chicago-born pope, you know, be the one to finally sign off on moving forward… signing off on a remarkable individual who’s another son of the land of Lincoln,” Bishop Tylka said. “It’s just kind of all those things line up.”
The beatification Mass for Archbishop Fulton Sheen is set for September 24. in St. Louis, Missouri. The location was chosen to accommodate the anticipated large crowds.
More details about Sheen’s ceremony from the Catholic Diocese of Peoria can be found here.
On Sunday, Donald Trump targeted Gavin Newsom’s California by releasing a video that showcased troubling scenes from downtown Los Angeles.
The footage, which Trump posted on social media, captured a woman using a wrench to open a fire hydrant, allowing her to clean her blankets with the water.
“This is downtown Los Angeles, California, where Hollywood is located,” the video’s narrator states, drawing attention to the famous area.
However, the narrator insists, “This is not a movie, it’s not a joke, and it’s certainly not a publicity stunt. This is the stark reality that people are living in.”
The video depicts the woman repeatedly filling a cup with water, sometimes placing it on the grimy sidewalk, before proceeding to pour it into a clear container filled with fabric.
At one point, she emptied the bucket of all the water before placing another batch of her laundry inside in plain view.
The original video that Trump posted had amounted nearly 1.6million views on Instagram as of Saturday night.
Trump has regularly clashed with California’s Democratic leaders, including Newsom. He has frequently criticized the West Coast state’s problems with homelessness, crime, drug abuse and fraud.
Los Angeles is set to host major events during Trump’s second presidency, namely the 2028 Summer Olympics and some FIFA World Cup matches this summer.
US President Donald Trump posted a video Sunday on Truth Social which showed a woman breaking into a fire hydrant in Los Angeles to wash her blanket
Trump was involved in a spat over Los Angeles’ fire hydrants with California Gov. Gavin Newsom as the Palisades fire raged last year and firefighters struggled to respond on time
Immediately after his initial post, Trump published a follow-up on Truth Social to the video of the woman breaking into the fire hydrant.
The US President attached a screenshot from a user on X claiming that ‘Los Angeles fire hydrants seem to be working just fine now.’
However, the reaction across social media was quick, with online commenters condemning what they had seen in downtown LA.
‘Los Angeles — supposed to host the OLYMPICS in 2028 — now has fire hydrants turning into where homeless and poor people wash their clothes,’ one user wrote. ‘Gavin is a FAILURE.’
Another user said that ‘nothing has changed’ in LA, despite the city having been awarded important global events.
‘Oh my gosh,’ they wrote. ‘How can Los Angeles host the Olympics when we have people living on the streets?’
Other commenters called the footage ‘shameful’, a ‘cesspool’ or a ‘total failure’ and pointed to California’s steep taxes.
‘Yet homelessness is everywhere… if Gavin Newsom even cares!’ the user added.
Trump previously criticized LA’s fire hydrants while the Palisades fire was raging across the county last January, as firefighters struggled to respond on time.
Some hydrants ran dry after being pushed beyond capacity, making it more difficult to combat upwards of a thousand buildings that were burning.
The US President posted on Truth Social at the time that ‘Governor Gavin Newscum’ was responsible for there being ‘no water for fire hydrants.’
Some online commenters referenced Trump’s previous spat with Newsom about the fire hydrants after his post on Sunday.
‘Surprised to see a working fire hydrant…’ one X user wrote.
‘At least there’s water in the hydrants!!!!!’ another posted.
Last year, Newsom ordered an investigation into why some fire hydrants were unusable, saying there needed to be ‘answers to how that happened.’
The LA Department of Water and Power insisted that they never ran out of water, according to ABC7.
They said the problem was that demand surged to roughly four times normal usage, which in turn caused pressure issues.
Following Trump’s criticism, Newsom ordered an investigation into why some fire hydrants were unusable
LA Mayor Karen Bass is facing a primary election in June and is under pressure after her handling of the Palisades fire
Los Angeles could soon see a shift in leadership, with Mayor Karen Bass facing a primary election in June.
A recent poll conducted by the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs suggested that Bass remained in the lead among likely primary voters, though her support has come under pressure after her handling of the Palisades fire.
However, the incumbent mayor is facing substantial pressure, as her approval rating has declined following her handling of the Palisades fire.
Bass received 25 percent support in the survey, with former reality TV personality Spencer Pratt placing second at 11 percent.
Pratt’s political career follows years on television, including the hit MTV series, The Hills, where he met his wife Heidi Montag.
Nithya Raman, a city councilmember who belongs to the Democratic Socialists of America, came in a close third with nine percent.
A separate recent poll conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and co-sponsored by The Los Angeles Times showed similar results.
That survey of 840 likely voters conducted between March 9 and 15 also found that Bass led with 25 percent, while Raman came in second with 17 percent and Pratt placed in third with 14 percent.
Raman’s candidacy has been compared to Zohran Mamdani’s in New York City, which ended with him elected as the Big Apple’s mayor.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House and Gavin Newsom’s press office for comment.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As Easter Sunday festivities wind down and travelers make their way back home, gas prices are surging nationwide. In Florida, motorists are seeing an average price of just above $4.20 per gallon at the pump.
Data from AAA reveals this figure represents an increase of nearly a dollar compared to prices from a month prior.
Tampa local Shawn Lopez shared his experience, noting, “Filling up costs between $60 and $70, which is noticeably higher than usual.”
Lopez explained that his gas expenses have risen by $20 to $30, compared to his typical $40 refueling cost. Despite this hike, he acknowledges that these prices are inevitable.
“You have no choice but to pay it,” he remarked.
For daily commuters, the increase is forcing difficult decisions. Tamedra Fuller, who drives 25 to 35 minutes to work five days a week, said she is considering changing her schedule to cut down on trips.
“I’m almost considering going back to 12’s, so I can lessen the days I commute to work,” Fuller said. “It used to cost me about $65 to fill my tank up. I do 89 with a medium-sized sedan, and now I’m up to 80 bucks.”
Experts say the spike is due in part to rising crude oil prices since the start of the war in Iran in late February, along with seasonal demand and uncertainty in oil markets.
“Seasonal demand, we’re about to hit peak summer travel season.” Dr. Abigail Hall, an associate professor of economics at the University of Tampa, explained. “We think about things like other oil producers. So, are they going to increase production? Are governments going to change tax rates on gasoline?”
Hall said the prices are also a culmination of oil producers preparing for potential mishaps.
“What happens if the Strait of Hormuz is shut down, or if it’s not, what does it mean if we have to divert or change routes for delivering our oil?” Hall said. “Also, things like risk premium. What’s the likelihood that my shipment is going to be destroyed by a missile or is going to be intercepted in some other type of way? And all of these things are a component in what we see in pump prices.”
The uncertainty is leaving some Floridians worried about what could come next.
“It’s scary because at this point we have to think about what’s next. Because right now it’s gas. But what’s coming after gas?” said Corey Kelly of Lakeland.
According to the Argus U.S. jet fuel price index reports, prices have increased by 95% since the start of the Iran war, a spike that could lead to higher airline ticket and checked baggage costs for travelers.
Rulla Nehme Pontarelli never anticipated that her marriage to Brian Pontarelli would become a focal point on the new Bravo series, The Real Housewives of Rhode Island.
Rulla made her first appearance on the second episode of the show, which aired on Sunday, April 2. Right from the start, the spotlight was on her ongoing conflict with fellow cast member Jo-Ellen Tiberi.
In a candid confessional, Rulla opened up about her turbulent relationship with Jo-Ellen. “Jo-Ellen and I have definitely had ups and downs,” she admitted. “She works in the beauty industry, and my husband Brian and I have many connections there. She seems friendly and bubbly, but that’s not always the case.”
Bronson Farr/Bravo
Over lunch with co-stars Liz McGraw and Kelsey Swanson, Rulla revealed that Jo-Ellen had been spreading rumors about her. Liz, in her own confessional, mentioned that there’s widespread gossip throughout Rhode Island suggesting that Brian might have “a mistress.”
The alleged scandal began when Liz heard about “photos online” depicting Brian with another woman. In an effort to find clarity, Liz connected Rulla with Jo-Ellen, who reportedly had seen the photos herself.
“At first, I thought that Jo-Ellen was trying to be supportive and help me because that’s what it sounded like,” Rulla claimed in her confessional. “Until I learned that she had shared the pictures with the whole group and was running her mouth around town about it.”
Rulla claimed that Brian was seeing this alleged other woman in summer 2024, but it had come to an end. Liz alluded to something still going on involving Brian.
“It’s pretty out there that Brian is still doing his thing with this woman,” Liz claimed in her confessional. “If Rulla chooses to not acknowledge what’s really going on and live in that land of delusion. I’m sorry, Elizabeth is allergic to bulls***.”
Bravo The Real Housewives of Rhode Island is officially here — but who makes up the cast? News broke at BravoCon in November 2025 when Andy Cohen confirmed that the premiere season will follow Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Kelsey Swanson and Jo-Ellen Tiberi as they navigate the highs and […]
Elsewhere in the episode, Jo-Ellen explained her side of the story, claiming she’s getting the “brunt of the blame” from Rulla after Brian’s affair. “I shared a picture that the mistress posted on the internet,” Jo-Ellen said, alleging that Rulla and Brian tried to get her fired after the fact — but it seems a further discussion on that point will be coming later in the season.
Both Jo-Ellen and Rulla discussed how this drama impacts the rest of the season during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly.
“What happened to Rulla is really unfortunate. It’s not a secret, I’m not a fan of Rulla’s husband. I don’t think he’s a great person, and I think she is,” Jo-Ellen told Us. “I think she’s a really smart, brilliant, beautiful woman who doesn’t deserve some of the things that he put her through.”
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Rulla, meanwhile, does not think Jo-Ellen is really on her side.
“I know that if you ask anyone in Rhode Island, those people who actually know maybe Jo-Ellen in her past and her practices and her character, I think they would agree that she’s not the most credible, not the most authentic source,” Rulla claimed. “When she just continued to kind of push harder and bring more to the group and bring more to the state and the city that she lives in, I just thought to myself, ‘What is her objective here?’”
New episodes of The Real Housewives of Rhode Island premiere on Bravo on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET and stream via Peacock the next day.
Thirty years since her breakthrough, Connie Britton reflects on a “magical” moment that brings her career full circle, radiating gratitude over her journey.
Britton, known for her standout performances in acclaimed series like Friday Night Lights, Nashville, American Horror Story, The White Lotus, and 9-1-1, initially made her mark with roles in The Brothers McMullen and the popular TV show Spin City. Recently, she returned to her roots by reprising her role as Molly McMullen in the sequel, The Family McMullen. This nostalgic moment was complemented by an unexpected offer from Spin City creator Bill Lawrence, inviting her to join his new HBO comedy, Rooster, as Elizabeth Stoddard, the ex-wife of Steve Carell’s character, Greg Russo.
“When Bill approached me, I thought, ‘Wow, it would be great to work with him again!’ I’ve watched his incredible career progression and, being on set, I saw firsthand why he’s so successful,” Britton shared with Decider over a Zoom interview. “The environment he creates is incredibly fun and collaborative. Everyone involved feels a genuine excitement and sense of ownership. Bill and I kept joking, ‘We’ve both gotten so much better at this!’ It’s rewarding to reflect on where we started and how far we’ve come over these 30 years.”
Bill Lawrence, speaking with Decider before the premiere of Rooster, expressed his joy at reuniting with Britton and fellow Spin City alum Alan Ruck. “If someone is talented and enjoyable to be around, why wouldn’t I want to work with them?” Lawrence remarked. “The beauty of my job is being able to hire friends. For both Connie and me, Spin City was our big break—her first major role post-Brothers McMullen, and my first show creation. With Rooster, co-creator Matt Tarses allowed us to explore new dimensions, ensuring each character was fresh and distinct.”
Photo: Katrina Marcinowski/HBO
Although Elizabeth doesn’t appear until the fifth episode, titled “Mr. Razzles,” her influence is felt throughout the series. Her past with Ludlow College and her ex-husband is hinted at in the initial episodes. Viewers discover that Beth inspired one of Greg’s “sexy, beautiful, smart, and brave” book characters. Despite Beth’s infidelity, Greg grapples with his loneliness in their marriage and regrets not fighting for her. Even after five years of divorce, Greg remains captivated by Beth. Her return to campus for a dedication ceremony of a new student center she funded leaves Greg, Rooster‘s protagonist, struggling to maintain his composure.
Walt (John C. McGinley) describes Beth as “a philanthropist, a pioneer in corporate gender equality, and an accomplished CEO.” But beyond her success, she’s admittedly selfish, doesn’t do well with emotions, and struggles to engage in meaningful heart-to-hearts — aspects of the character that pushed Britton far outside her comfort zone.
“Frankly, this part is really a departure for me in a lot of ways. I’ve had a lot of TV daughters. I’ve played a lot of TV moms. And [in Rooster] I’m not the warm, all-knowing mom character, which I loved,” Britton explained. “I loved getting to really mix that up. I had so much fun with it. It’s very nerve-racking to do that, but I always want to feel like I’m going outside the box a bit. So I felt privileged to have the opportunity.”
Photo: Katrina Marcinowski/HBO
During a standout mother/daughter scene, Beth attempts to help Katie (Charly Clive) navigate her marital issues while acknowledging that she was “the Archie” of her relationship. “That scene [between Charly and I] is so great. To be able to play with her in this kind of incarnation — that’s a scene where I basically am trying to tell my daughter that she needs to be more selfish like me. And that’s cool,” Britton reflected. “That was a very revelatory moment as a woman, to hear a woman say that to her daughter. Those two have a lot of nuance, and we have a lot of indications of what that really means for them. So I thought that was pretty profound.”
“Frankly, this part is really a departure for me in a lot of ways. I’ve had a lot of TV daughters. I’ve played a lot of TV moms. And [in Rooster] I’m not the warm, all-knowing mom character, which I loved.”
Connie Britton, Rooster
Rooster is the first American TV role for Clive, a British comedian with a fascinating career trajectory. As a huge Friday Night Lights fan, she was ecstatic to share scenes with Britton, who assured Decider the feelings are mutual. “She’s just so magical and lovely, and has such a unique quality that I’m really, really glad they discovered,” Britton said of her newest TV daughter. “She’s so authentic and has such a light about her, but she’s also really, really grounded.”
Despite Britton’s decades of experience, she still had first day of school jitters when joining Rooster — and not just because of the academic setting. “I got cast in this like practically the day before. It was ridiculous,” she revealed. “So I just was coming in and learning as we went. Jumping in in the middle of their season and still being like, ‘Who am I playing? Who are you, actually?’ is a scary feeling, no matter how many years you’ve been doing it.”
Photo: Katrina Marcinowski/HBO
Though Britton found it “nerve-racking” to dive right in without fully understanding Rooster‘s tone, she shouted out her Seeking a Friend for the End of the World co-star Carell as “the warmest, most generous human being, and just the master of his craft.” Her first scene with Carell, McGinley, and Danielle Deadwyler in Walt’s office also helped Britton find her footing. “They immediately made me feel not only so welcome, but like I could play. You can fall on your face. You can be ridiculous. And John C. McGinley? I couldn’t get through a scene. He’s so hilarious,” she said.
While Beth has only appeared in one episode, the character already feels incredibly lived in. Britton’s chemistry with the cast seems effortless, and as she gets a chance to flex her comedic chops, she also adds crucial depth to Rooster‘s more emotional beats.
After bonding with Dylan (Deadwyler) and Greg, Beth quickly questions if the two are more than friends. Though they swiftly shut down speculation, Britton confirmed that Beth “1,000%” senses chemistry there. “That’s one of the reasons I loved having her come into the scene. She sees him so clearly. We’re seeing so much of the show from his point of view. So it’s nice for the audience to have somebody who can say, ‘I see you. I know you.’ It gives some solid perspective on who he is, and gives Elizabeth integrity, too.”
Photo: Katrina Marcinowski/HBO
Greg makes an active effort to keep things civil for the weekend, but he can’t help but rehash the past and remind Beth that she once slept with his friend. When he claims he’s just “razzing” her (he’s Mr. Razzles!), she suggests they stop trying to force a friendship. But in Episode 5’s final scene, Beth learns that Greg held onto a photo of her for years simply because it makes him happy. Rather than sit with and unpack the heavy emotions that realization carries, she explains she has an early morning and says her goodbyes.
“There’s so much dimension there. For me, that scene was representative to Elizabeth of why their relationship couldn’t work, but how heartbreaking that was for her. And she doesn’t let you see that very much. It indicated that he was always almost idolizing her. But in doing that, he kept her at arm’s length,” Britton mused. “As the actor, I have to go inside the character and think, ‘Did she so desperately just want her husband to see her for who she was?’ We see so much of the show from Greg’s perspective, but that moment showed Beth really wanted something, too. And she really did love him.”
Photo: Katrina Marcinowski/HBO
Beth and Greg part ways without the closure or understanding they crave. But earlier in the episode, Beth mentions she wants to be on campus more often. Though the conversation is derailed before she can answer, Greg also invites her to Thanksgiving. So could Britton return in Season 1’s final five episodes?
“I think you’ll be seeing more of Beth,” Britton teased. So if you need me, I’ll be manifesting a Rooster Thanksgiving episode. And beyond Season 1, I’d love to see Beth on campus more regularly to make Walt squirm, deepen her friendship with Dylan, spend more time with Katie, work through her complex dynamic with Greg, and share scenes with Dean Riggs (Ruck).
“I would go back in a heartbeat,” Britton confirmed. “I absolutely love the show. I loved being on that set. I love everybody involved. It would be an enormous honor if I was able to go back for Season 2.”
New episodes of Rooster premiere Sundays on HBO and HBO Max.
This spring, an enchanting collaboration is set to capture imaginations as DreamWorks Animation joins forces with KidsGardening for the exciting “Gabby’s Dollhouse Fairylandia Tour,” making its way to cities across the nation.
The beloved animated series, which has already delighted audiences with its latest installment, Season 13, takes viewers on an adventurous journey beyond the familiar dollhouse setting into the vibrant and whimsical world of “Fairylandia.”
In this enchanting realm, the series’ protagonist, Gabby, transforms into a Dandelion Fairy, adorned with sparkling wings and a magical wand, allowing fans to experience the full spectrum of Fairylandia’s wonder.
Ryan Bradley, Senior Vice President of Marketing for DreamWorks Animation, expressed the significance of this endeavor in a recent news release. He emphasized that the tour, alongside the new season and partnership with KidsGardening, is designed to bring the series’ imaginative world to life.
“This new season of Gabby’s Dollhouse delves into the magical essence of Fairylandia,” Bradley stated. “Partnering with KidsGardening is the ideal way to infuse local communities with that same creativity and wonder.”
“The new season of Gabby’s Dollhouse is all about the magical world of Fairylandia, and partnering with KidsGardening is the perfect way to bring all the imagination and creativity to life on the local level.”
If you aren’t familiar with Gabby’s Dollhouse, let us give you a brief synopsis according to Parents.com.
Gabby’s Dollhouse, it centers around a girl named Gabby. Starting in live action, Gabby puts on her signature cat ears and shrinks down to go on adventures inside the animated world of her dollhouse.
Meanwhile, KidsGardening is a nonprofit that works across the country to make sure all children have the chance to learn through gardening. The organization has been around since 1982 and brings smiles and learning to more than 2.7 million children each year!
Just what can fans expect from the live tour? Well, according to Em Shipman, KidsGardening’s Executive Director, there will be a lot of hands-on botanical magic traveling across the country.
“Gardening and imaginative play are powerful tools for helping young children build confidence, curiosity, and connection,” Em Shipman, KidsGardening’s Executive Director, says in a news release. “Through our partnership with DreamWorks and Gabby’s Dollhouse, we’re bringing those worlds together in a way that feels joyful and accessible for families. When children plant a seed after meeting a character they love, that moment becomes more than an activity. It becomes a memory, and often the beginning of a lifelong relationship with nature.”
Each stop on the tour lasts two days. Here’s the full schedule:
April 11–12: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas, TX
April 18–19:Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis, TN
April 25–26: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA
May 2-3: Norfolk Botanical Garden, Norfolk, VA
May 9-10: West Virginia Botanic Garden, Morgantown, WV
May 16–17: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY
May 23-24: The Holden Arboretum, Cleveland, Ohio
May 30–31: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus, OH
June 6–7: The Morton Arboretum, Chicago, IL
June 13–14: Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House (Missouri Botanical Garden), St Louis, MO J
une 20–21: Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, CO
June 27–28: San Francisco Botanical Garden, San Francisco, CA
In a dramatic turn of events on Sunday afternoon, two suspects made a hasty escape from a Walmart in Calera, Alabama, leaving behind a trail of chaos that involved four children and sparked a multi-agency police pursuit. The Calera Police Department reported that the two individuals fled the scene with two children in tow, while astonishingly abandoning two others at the store.
The incident unfolded around 2:20 p.m., when officers were alerted to a retail theft at the Walmart. The suspects, now on the run, headed north on Highway 31 before veering onto Highway 87 and merging onto I-65 South. During the high-speed chase, officers observed the reckless driving of the suspects, who put the lives of the children in the vehicle at risk.
With the situation escalating, assistance came swiftly from Chilton County agencies and Alabama State Troopers. The pursuit reached a critical point when troopers deployed spike strips to disable the suspects’ vehicle after it dangerously traveled the wrong way on the interstate. The suspects made a final, futile attempt to escape on foot but were quickly apprehended.
Among the two arrested was a suspect from Montgomery, now facing a slew of charges including felony attempting to elude, reckless endangerment, child abandonment, retail theft, and a staggering 16 traffic violations. The second suspect’s arrest revealed an extensive criminal background, with 46 previous arrests across four states and existing felony warrants that called for extradition at both state and national levels. This individual was subsequently handed over to the custody of the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.
The second suspect was discovered to have 46 prior arrests in four different states, as well as multiple felony warrants with both statewide and nationwide extradition. The second suspect was released to the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.
“Fleeing the police in a vehicle is stupid,” Calera Police Chief David Hyche said in a statement. “Doing it with kids in the car is horrific and I don’t know what to say about leaving two kids at Walmart while you try to escape with your stolen electronics. Stealing is a gamble. Stealing in Calera is gambling in a casino where the house always wins. Our law enforcement partners to the South are amazing. We wouldn’t have caught these two today without Chilton Co. Jemison, Clanton and ALEA. I also want to commend the Walmart staff for always doing a great job working with us to stop retail theft. Retail theft makes prices higher for all of us.”
DHR was notified to care for the four children involved.
Tiffany Workman was jolted awake by a sudden, loud noise at midnight on March 10, 2014.
Rising from her bed, Workman made her way downstairs to where her boyfriend, Daniel Raven, had dozed off on the couch. What she discovered was a scene of chaos: shattered glass, blood, and a grievous wound in Daniel’s arm.
“Not being familiar with guns, I couldn’t initially recognize the scent of gunpowder in the house,” Workman recounted during the April 5 episode of Oxygen’s Snapped. “It’s a smell that will forever be etched in my memory.”
Upon the arrival of emergency responders at their secluded Wisconsin residence, it was confirmed that Raven had been fatally shot. The shocking detail, however, was that the shot originated from outside the house.
“From the vantage point of the front porch, there was a clear view down to the basement couch,” explained former Barron County Sheriff’s Detective David Kuffel on Snapped. “Someone approached the exterior door, didn’t attempt to enter, and fired two rounds through it, targeting a defenseless victim with precision.”
Two empty shell casings were found outside and there were tracks leading from the road to around the house leading detectives to one clear answer.
“It wasn’t random,” said Kuffel. “It truly was as much of a hit as I have ever seen.”
When police asked Workman who wanted Raven dead, she was quick to offer a name: His ex-wife Trista Hrabak.
Inside Daniel Raven and Trista Hrabak’s Marriage—and Messy Divorce
Raven and Hrabak were high school sweethearts who married in 2005. A few years later, the couple—parents to a daughter and a son—opened the Bullwhip Cafe in Barron.
Running a family business while raising kids, however, strained their marriage and they divorced in 2013. Loved ones said Raven was depressed and drank heavily—until he fell in love with coworker Workman.
Meanwhile, Raven and Hrabak’s divorce grew volatile, namely over financial issues. A few months before his death, Raven suspected Hrabak of misrepresenting her finances to receive more child support. Though he planned to alert the court, according to Workman, he worried she would retaliate.
As Workman admitted, “He had told me, ‘You know, Tiff, if anything ever happens, it’s her, it’s Trista.’”
Who Is Ian Skjerly?
Amid the murder investigation, police received a tip from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services notifying them about Hrabak’s boyfriend Ian Skjerly. A caseworker had been asked to interview him and Hrabak at the request of his ex-Karen Hanson, who claimed the couple mistreated her and Skjerly’s daughters.
During the interview, “Skjerly made an off-hand comment,” former Barron County Sheriff’s Detective Jeffrey Nelson told Snapped, “that the quickest and easiest way to end this conflict is to kill Dan Raven.”
Police set their sights on Hrabak and Skjerly, pulling their phone records and tracking them down at a restaurant.
Skjerly told police that he and Hrabak were home at the time of Raven’s murder, offering up his home security footage as evidence. Meanwhile, Hrabak dismissed any problems between her and Raven and told police whoever killed her ex should receive the death penalty.
Trista Hrabak and Ian Skjerly’s “Chilling” Phone Records Revealed
Their text messages told a different story, with Barron County Sheriff’s Detective Kuffell calling their correspondences “chilling.”
“The persuasion, threats, violence,” he recalled, “it was all spelled out.”
It was clear from the messages that Skjerly backed out of multiple attempts to kill Raven, which frustrated Hrabak.
“Ian was texting Trista saying, ‘I’m promising you, he will not make it Monday morning,’” Kuffel said. “Trista replied by saying, ‘Don’t make me promises you can’t keep.’”
The messages revealed a third suspect: Robert McBain, a friend they paid to drive the getaway car.
When police contacted McBain, he confessedthat he and Skjerly made at least six trips to the farm to kill Raven.
McBain was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide; in Sept. 2014, he pleaded guilty.
Skjerly later admitted to police that he killed Raven, but insisted Hrabak was the mastermind.
He confessed that after murdering Raven he returned home, entering through a door obscured from his home security cameras.
Skjerly was arrested and pleaded guilty to first-degree intentional homicide.
Hrabak, however, held her ground.
“Trista’s initial response to officers was, ‘Why am I being arrested? I didn’t do anything,’” said Kuffel. “She believes because she didn’t pull the trigger, she’s not responsible.”
Skjerly and McBain were sentenced to 20 years and 15 years in prison, respectively.
Hrabak accepted a plea deal and in February 2015, she was sentenced to 15 years of initial confinement and 10 years on extended supervision.
A cherished pizza chain that had been a staple in Minnesota for half a century has unexpectedly closed its doors and declared bankruptcy.
Gina Maria’s Pizza ceased operations at all its four locations in October, leaving many loyal customers puzzled and disappointed.
The owners of the pizzeria found themselves facing nearly $3 million in liabilities, while their assets amounted to a scant $64,000, as revealed in a bankruptcy filing dated March 26.
The chain’s parent company, Northern Brands Inc, has opted for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which likely means the business will be liquidated rather than undergoing a reorganization.
Liquidation involves shutting down the business and selling off its remaining assets to settle debts, prioritizing creditors before addressing any claims from the owners.
Restructuring is when a business changes how it operates. This can include cutting costs and reorganizing so it can stay open.
‘If they’re gone forever, this is sad. My family and I love Gina Maria’s. My kids looked forward to when we would drive from Bloomington to the [Eden Prairie] location to get lunch slices,’ one user wrote.
‘First pizza we ordered when we moved back to Minnesota on the enthusiastic recommendation of our moving company,’ another user shared.
Gina Maria’s Pizza in Minnesota closed the doors of all four locations to the public back in October
The pizza business owners had nearly $3 million in debts, with only a mere $64,000 in assets
‘Must have ordered 100 times since 2006. Sorry to see them go. Really good pizza,’ they added.
Gina Maria’s first opened its doors in 1975 in Minnetonka and eventually grew to serve customers in Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Plymouth.
A new chapter begins at the former Eden Prairie location of Gina Maria’s, now home to Pizzas Gina.
Owner Ulises Godinez told Eden Prairie Local News that the restaurant is keeping the legacy alive by using the original recipes from the last pizzeria.
He added that the previous owners even left behind kitchen tools and supplies to help him get started.
It’s not just local restaurant chains that are facing trouble.
Hundreds of grocery workers are losing their jobs as Albertsons shuts more stores across the US.
The 86-year-old supermarket giant closed 20 locations in Texas, California and Washington, DC last year – and now plans to axe even more locations founded in Boise, Idaho.
The move comes just months after its blockbuster $24.6 billion merger with Kroger collapsed in court.
Gina Maria’s Pizza at 7416 Mitchell Rd., Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Albertsons operates over 2,200 stores across 35 states under banners including Safeway, Vons and Pavilions
Albertsons – founded in Boise, Idaho – operates over 2,200 stores across 35 states under banners including Safeway, Vons and Pavilions.
Two Albertsons stores in North Texas are set to close by the end of April, cutting 138 jobs.
In Washington, DC, a Safeway store will shut in May – putting another 87 workers out of work.
Southern California will lose 135 jobs as Vons stores in Escondido and Redlands close down in April.
The closure of an Albertsons near Riverside in March left a further 75 people unemployed, and a Safeway that closed in Northern California earlier this year axed another 76 jobs.
Understanding upper-body strength at the age of 60 is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life. It affects day-to-day activities such as getting up from a chair, carrying groceries, and even preventing injuries during a fall. Having spent years training clients in this age group, I’ve found a recurring theme: those who can still lift their own body weight retain muscle mass much longer than those who solely use exercise machines. This is precisely why the pushup remains one of the most telling and beneficial tests of strength.
Pushups are not just about arm strength; they also engage the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core, demanding full-body coordination. Unlike exercises performed on machines, pushups do not allow for any weaknesses to be concealed. If your core isn’t strong enough or your arms tire too soon, the exercise will reveal these deficiencies immediately. This is what makes pushups such a valuable measure of fitness.
People often underestimate how challenging pushups can become as they age. However, this isn’t a sign of failure; it’s insightful feedback on your current fitness level. The encouraging part is that with the right training approach, improvements in pushup performance can be achieved rapidly.
Pushups demand more than just arm strength. They challenge the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core all at once while requiring full-body control. Unlike seated exercises, there’s no support system to hide weaknesses. If your core sags or your arms fatigue early, the movement exposes it immediately. That’s what makes this such a powerful benchmark.
Many people underestimate how difficult strict pushups actually become over time. That’s not a failure, it’s feedback. And the good news is, progress here tends to come quickly when you train it correctly.
If you want a clear, no-nonsense measure of your upper-body strength, this test delivers.
How to Perform the Pushup Properly
Form determines everything. I’ve seen plenty of people count reps that don’t actually reflect their true strength. When you clean up the technique, the number might drop—but the result becomes far more meaningful.
Start in a strong plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, with your core braced and glutes engaged. Lower your chest toward the floor under control, then press back up without letting your hips drop or your elbows flare excessively.
Every rep should look the same from start to finish. That consistency separates real strength from momentum.
How to Do It
Place hands slightly wider than shoulders
Extend legs into a plank
Brace your core and squeeze glutes
Lower chest toward the floor
Press back up fully
Maintain strict form throughout.
What Your Number Means After 60
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Pushup performance varies based on training history, but clear benchmarks help you understand where you stand. These ranges assume strict form and continuous reps without long breaks.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
Under 5 reps: Strength needs rebuilding
5–10 reps: Below average for this age group
10–20 reps: Solid, functional strength
20–30 reps: Strong upper-body endurance
30+ reps: Stronger than roughly 90% of peers
If you can hit 30 clean pushups, you’re operating at a level most people over 60 never reach. That reflects not just arm strength, but strong coordination and core stability as well.
How to Improve Your Pushup Count
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Improvement comes from consistency and smart progression, not maxing out every day. I coach clients to train pushups three times per week using controlled sets that stop just before failure. That approach builds strength without overloading the joints.
If full pushups feel too difficult, elevate your hands on a bench or sturdy surface. This reduces the load while allowing you to maintain proper form. As strength improves, gradually lower the height until you’re back on the floor.
Tempo also matters. Lower yourself for three seconds and press up with control. That increased time under tension strengthens the chest, shoulders, and triceps more effectively than rushing through reps.
Supporting exercises like dumbbell presses, rows, and shoulder work help build the muscles involved in pushing strength. When those muscles get stronger, your pushup count climbs faster than expected.
Stay consistent, focus on quality reps, and progress gradually. I’ve seen clients double their pushup numbers within weeks once they commit to the process, that strength carries over into everything else they do.
