Howard Stern’s former assistant is suing the famed radio personality and his wife for allegedly subjecting her to a hostile work environment while employed at their 20,000-square-foot Hamptons estate, according to court filings reviewed by The Independent.
In a state lawsuit filed Sunday, Leslie Kuhn, who began working for Stern in 2022 as his office manager at SiriusXM, says she was made the shock jock’s executive assistant the following year, and relocated to Southampton, New York, in 2024 – at the pair’s request – to provide “assistance with such things as managing the staff of the mansion, setting staffing schedules, completing staff payroll and managing general household operations, including Beth Stern’s extensive at-home feline rescue and fostering operations.”
Kuhn’s complaint says she was given a raise in December 2025 from $100,000 to $265,000, plus an $80,000 bonus, but that she was fired in February 2026 for “alleged misconduct.” But while the complaint does not provide details of the purported wrongdoing, it says Kuhn “denies in whole and in part the reasoning given to her,” calling it “manufactured by the Defendants in general and Beth Stern in particular.”
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“Rather, Kuhn contends that her termination was the result of, among other things, a hostile work environment and enablement of that hostile work environment, immense pressures on the household created by irresponsible and untenable animal rescue and fostering operations occurring on-site, and massively disorganized and questionable business operations and accounting practices,” the complaint states.
A former executive assistant to Howard Stern says she is being muzzled by an NDA she allegedly never signed (Getty Images)
However, Kuhn claims the allegations against her are so detrimental to her reputation that they would have “a chilling effect on [her] future employment prospects.”
At the same time, Kuhn also accuses Stern’s production company of forging her signature on two non-disclosure agreements she denies ever okaying, and is asking a judge to declare them null and void because it forbids her from telling anyone, including prospective employers, her version of events while allowing Howard and Beth to “speak freely about Kuhn with impunity.”
“As such, Kuhn fully intends to disclose details concerning the facts surrounding her employment by Stern, Beth Stern, Sirius, and [Stern’s production company],” the complaint states, “and termination of that employment as necessary to address the accusations made against her and to protect her reputation and future employment prospects.”
Attorney John Leonard, who is representing Kuhn, told The Independent that he is simply asking the court to weigh in on the validity and enforceability of the two NDAs Kuhn says she never signed.
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“It’s very easy to see that they are one-sided; they’re not reciprocal, so it gives one party the right to say anything they want and the other party is muzzled,” Leonard said.
Howard Stern and wife Beth, who is an ardent animal advocate. The couple is being sued by a former executive assistant who says they created a hostile work environment (Getty Images)
Above and beyond forbidding Kuhn from discussing the ins and outs of her employment with Stern, the allegedly bogus NDA prohibits her from talking about anything about the couple’s “family members or friends, daily activities and personal habits (e.g., food preferences, sleeping habits, hobbies), use of consumer products, choice of restaurants, hotels or other establishments, entertainment preference, the location or contents of residences and other properties, travel arrangements, location(s) or methods, political affiliations,” and “any other matters” related to Stern’s business.
Such a contractual relationship would put Kuhn, who the complaint describes as “a mere at-will employee with considerably less influence and resources than the Sterns, their affiliated entities and associates,” at an unfair disadvantage “personally, professionally and publicly.”
NDAs are being used to silence people like Kuhn, who are “at distinct disadvantages in influence and resources,” according to Leonard, who pointed out that his client never wanted things to get to this point.
“The decision to seek declaratory relief from the court was a decision that was not made lightly,” Leonard told The Independent. “My client, however, is a very strong woman and she just wants the court to tell her what her rights are so she can move ahead lawfully. Not knowing whether you’re able to defend yourself against other people’s allegations is a very harrowing situation to be in. But I have to say, she’s handling it very well, she’s very strong, and she looks forward to her day in court.”
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The Independent has reached out to reps for Stern for comment.
Kuhn is now seeking a declaration voiding the NDAs, plus attorneys’ fees and court costs.
From ‘she’s one of our own, she’s one of our own’ to ‘Mrs G, Mrs G’.
You could have been forgiven for thinking it was a raucous Teesside crowd roaring on Middlesbrough in their pursuit of promotion to the Premier League.
Mrs Gullon says goodbye to Levendale Primary School after almost 30 years Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Instead, it was the thunderous noise from dozens of staff and students past and present who were giving the treasured teaching assistant a glorious send-off after nearly 30 years in the classroom.
Mrs Gullon says goodbye to Levendale Primary School after almost 30 years Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Family, friends and neighbours joined with current and former alumni of Levendale Primary School in Yarm to cheer and chant Jill Gullon into retirement, as she walked out of the place that has been her second home for the last time on Thursday.
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The 69-year-old started out as a dinner lady at the school back in 1998, when Bryan Robson was in the dugout at the Riverside Stadium and Pete Sampras was dominating on the grass courts at Wimbledon, but made the decision to call time on her career before the Easter break – and is looking forward to “being able to go on holiday in term time now”.
Jo Lewis, headteacher at the Yarm school, described Mrs Gullon as an “inspirational teaching assistant” who would leave a “lasting legacy of commitment to the children at Levendale”.
Mrs Gullon says goodbye to Levendale Primary School after almost 30 years Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Her final day was marked with a special assembly, tributes from those she taught and worked with over the last three decades, and a final walkout with Boro-themed anthems sung by pupils she’s spent as much time discussing football with as reading and writing in recent months.
She said: “It has been so overwhelming and emotional. I am so grateful to have been able to work in such a lovely school and get such a lovely reaction from everyone.
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“I was so shocked and surprised to see people I taught such a long time ago or worked with all those years ago – I really am very touched they have taken the trouble to come along.”
Mrs Gullon, who spent her final school year helping pupils in Years One, Two and Five and also ran the school’s unofficial Boro Breakdown fan club, admitted she had mixed feelings about her retirement.
Mrs Gullon says goodbye to Levendale Primary School after almost 30 years Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
“I am sad to be leaving the place I have gone into every day of the week and have such good friends and memories – but I am looking forward to having a holiday during term time,” she said.
“It has been really special to work with so many amazing children and touch so many lives.
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“I will never forget the experiences we have shared together. The sporting activities and the extracurricular activities, but also sitting and working with them and helping them to achieve their potential. I loved making learning fun.
“The staff have been amazing. We’re a real team at Levendale who really support each other when the going gets tough.”
After spending a few months on lunchtime duties, Mrs Gullon began gradually increasing her time at the school in other roles before she eventually applied for a teaching assistant role, which she “loved from day one”.
“That was the aim of the job at the beginning, to develop literacy skills and help where I can.
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“I’ve loved helping the children be the best they can be, especially those to whom learning doesn’t come easy. There is nothing more rewarding seeing the smile on their faces when something they’ve been struggling with finally clicks.”
Mrs Gullon says goodbye to Levendale Primary School after almost 30 years Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Headteacher Mrs Lewis added: “We are delighted that Mrs Gullon got the send off she deserves after 27 years at Levendale.
“She has been an inspirational teaching assistant, often going above and beyond to enhance the education of the children.
“Her enthusiasm for the role has made her a much-loved member of staff and she will be really missed by the whole school community.
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“Often dedicating her own time to extra-curricular activities, such as visits to watch Middlesbrough Football Club and sporting events, she leaves a lasting legacy of commitment to the children at Levendale.
“We wish her every happiness in her well-deserved retirement.”
A devastating and high-octane week ahead in Hollyoaks as lives are left in the balance (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Hollyoaks is delivering the unmissable drama once more next week, with a chaotic and explosive stunt week set to change everything for a number of fan-favourites as major characters are feared dead.
The Channel 4 soap is currently in the middle of a high-octane week following Clare Devine’s (Gemma Bissix) escape from prison, with the storyline in question set to reach a dramatic peak in the coming episodes.
But the drama doesn’t stop there, as the subsequent week will see the aftermath of the big scenes as questions are asked about what happened with Clare, while the arrival of a new family amid the exit plot of a main character proves catastrophic.
Emotional scenes ensue at The Loft amid her leaving party as Darren (Ashley Taylor Dawson), who gifts his daughter some new ballet shoes, delivers an emotional speech.
This proves overwhelming for Diane Hutchinson (Alex Fletcher), who heads to the bathroom, devastated at the prospect of missing all the milestones her children will hit when she’s gone. Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) offers support.
Goodbye is said to Frankie – but will it be a tragic end? (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Frankie, meanwhile, prepares to exit the village she’s called home for years and she’s delighted to hear that Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) is going on a date with Charlie Dean (Charlie Behan).
The trio set off together as Charlie drives Frankie to her train. Tony (Nick Pickard), however, realises that they’ve left Frankie’s dancing shoes behind and offers to drive to the station to catch up with them. Diane asks Leela to go with him, wondering if she might be good for Tony.
Charlie and Frankie try to beat the clock to the station (Picture: Lime Pictures)
The new clan, the Keanes, head to Hollyoaks village – but tragedy strikes soon after (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Elsewhere, new family the Keanes are excited for a fresh start and thus they set off on a drive to their new home in Hollyoaks village – to surprise their family that already live there.
Son Caleb (Lewis Walton), however, notices on the way that his phone needs charging and thus undoes his seatbelt to locate the device.
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Frankie, meanwhile, realises that she left her ballet shoes behind and, panicked, she informs Charlie, who turns the car around, speeding up to keep time.
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They find themselves behind the Keanes’ removal van and, when overtaking fails, Frankie goes to beep the horn, which causes Charlie to swerve, clipping the van as both vehicles go off road!
Later, Leela is helping Tony in navigating to the station when they encounter the van turned over on the side of the road.
The question is: is everyone still alive? Are there casualties? And will everyone make it to the hospital on time before tragedy strikes?
Elsewhere in the village…
Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) is on the case of finding what really happened with Clare and thus presses for information. Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerin) tries to shut him down while Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) confronts Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) on her manipulation.
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What is Sienna up to? (Picture: Lime Pictures)
Donny turns his attention to Warren but both fail to realise that Jenson Cole (Ryan Clayton) is listening in. Jenson later confronts Warren over his conversation with Donny but Warren tells him to keep out of it.
Misbah Maalik (Harvey Virdi), meanwhile, urges Donny to stop looking for answers on what happened to Clare.
Elsewhere, Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) offers Cleo support with a hug, much to devastated Theresa’s (Jorgie Porter) dismay. Theresa later tells Dodger that she’s not the nice person he thinks she is.
Kathleen-Angel (Naledi Rapotu) isn’t pleased that she’s been grounded from seeing Ant (Brook Debio) and tells her mum that she heard her conversation with Dodger. The question is: just what has she overheard?
Cleo, meanwhile, tells Sienna that she’s still the woman she fell in love with.
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Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
Four astronauts travelling around the moon sent a heartfelt message before a communication blackout as they passed the dark side of the lunar surface on NASA’s historic Artemis 2 mission
Tannur Anders UK & World News Reporter and Callum Hoare
05:19, 07 Apr 2026
The astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis 2 mission around the moon delivered an emotional six-word message before losing contact with Earth.
On 1 April, NASA launched its 10-day crewed mission to send humans farther into space than ever before. It marks the first human flight to the moon since 1972.
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The four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft successfully completed a lunar orbit in the early hours of Tuesday, 7 April, during which they lost contact with Earth for a period. However, the crew left a touching message before communications were severed.
“As we prepare to go out of radio communication… to all of you down there on Earth, and around Earth – we love you from the moon.”
Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch of the US and Jeremy Hansen of Canada lost contact with Mission Control for approximately 40 minutes. This was an anticipated communication blackout as they passed over the dark side of the moon.
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The crew reported witnessing the features of the mysterious lunar far side, as well as a total solar eclipse from their vantage point.
NASA confirmed that the spacecraft reached its maximum distance from Earth during this mission, “suspected to be” about 252,756 miles, venturing farther from our planet than any human has ever travelled and surpassing Apollo 13’s record set in 1970.
The crew have since re-established contact with Mission Control and are now making their journey back to Earth.
A dentist is advising Brits who eat Easter eggs to do so in one go. Dr Jas Sagoo, a leading general and cosmetic dentist at Perfect Smile Spa, has warned grazing on chocolate over time could accelerate the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
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He says this is because intermittent grazing on food and drinks that contain sugar can cause bacteria in the mouth to feed on it and produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Dr Sagoo says it takes the mouth up to an hour for acidity levels to return to normal after eating sugar. So snacking on your Easter egg across several hours can actually leave your teeth exposed to acids for longer, he says.
Not only does he claim this can this accelerate your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, it can also lead to cavities. While he doesn’t ever recommend bingeing on chocolate, Dr Sagoo says it’s better to eat Easter chocolate in one sitting rather pieces than throughout the day.
Dr Jas said: “Chocolate eggs are a popular treat in the UK at this time of year, and they can certainly be enjoyed in moderation. However, we should always be mindful of the direct link between high sugar consumption and the harmful effects it can have on our dental health.
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“Intermittent grazing on foods and drinks that contain sugar can accelerate the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. From a dental point of view, it’s better to enjoy a sweet treat in one go rather than snack on it throughout the day.
“It can take the mouth up to an hour for acidity levels to return to normal after eating sugar, so grazing several across several hours leaves your teeth exposed to acids for longer. While I don’t recommend bingeing on chocolate at any time, it is better for your teeth to eat it at once than spread out across hours or days.”
Chocolate eggs can contain a large amount of sugar and therefore should be enjoyed responsibly to keep your teeth at their best. To keep risks at a minimum, it is advised to look for options with the least added sugar and higher percentage of cocoa.
Jas said: “Chocolate eggs can certainly be enjoyed responsibly this Easter, and following a few helpful tips can help keep your oral hygiene at its best. Choose options with a lower percentage of sugar and try to limit consumption to meal times, if possible.
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“Rinse your mouth with water to help banish the acids that can otherwise linger and attack enamel. It’s also important not to brush your teeth right away after eating sugar. Wait between 30 to 60 minutes to avoid weakening tooth enamel and allow your mouth to return to its natural pH level.
“A good oral hygiene routine should include brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride-based toothpaste, as well as flossing once per day. It’s also important to have a dental check-up every six months to keep a close eye on potential problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.”
Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard a witness reported seeing a young female being dragged by a man through the Cornmarket area in a distressed state at around 9.30pm on Saturday.
Alan Erwin
17:58, 06 Apr 2026Updated 21:13, 06 Apr 2026
A 15-year-old girl was allegedly taken to the boiler room of an underground car park in Belfast city centre to be raped, a court heard on Monday.
Police claimed Jamie Donald, 28, carried out a “predatory” sexual assault at the Victoria Square facilities on Saturday night.
Donald, of no fixed abode, insists all contact with the girl he believed to be older was fully consensual.
He was refused bail on a disputed charge of rape and remanded in custody until later this month.
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Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard a witness reported seeing a young female being dragged by a man through the Cornmarket area in a distressed state at around 9.30pm on Saturday.
The girl later informed officers the defendant had approached and tried to kiss her while she was with friends outside a cafe near City Hall.
According to her initial account, she told Donald her age and went with him towards Victoria Square to use the toilets.
He became more aggressive when they reached the underground carpark area, it was claimed.
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She was led to a boiler room and storage area in the lower level where the alleged sexual assault took place.
The witness raised the alarm after meeting the pair on their way back towards the cafe.
Donald was arrested nearby and initially taken to hospital after disclosing that he had taken drugs, the court heard.
During subsequent police interviews he insisted the encounter had been fully consensual.
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He claimed the girl called him over and then initiated sexual contact in which she was a willing participant.
“His case is that she brought him down to the underground carpark, to the boiler room where all of this activity took place,” an investigating detective said.
Cross-examined by Donald’s lawyer, he confirmed an official evidential interview with the girl has been postponed to a later date.
Defence solicitor Una Conway argued he should not have been charged before that procedure was carried out.
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The court also heard Donald claims the girl told him she was 17, and that a friend had backed her up.
Ms Conway insisted CCTV recordings corroborated his version of events by showing the pair walking hand in hand through the city centre towards Victoria Square.
But the detective responded that the footage showed the girl running away from the defendant on their way back.
He added: “There is usually a very strong public feeling about this type of predatory sexual offending.
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“If information regarding this case made its way into the public domain it may cause public outcry.”
Refusing bail and remanding Donald in custody until April 28, District Judge Rosalie Prytherch ruled: “I am concerned there is a risk of re-offending.”
New Zealand says US threats against Iranian infrastructure ‘unhelpful’
New Zealand prime minister Christopher Luxon has described Donald Trump’s recent threats against Iranian civilian infrastructure as “unhelpful”
“Unhelpful because more military action’s not necessary,” Luxon told Radio New Zealand.
“I think the bottom line is that the focus needs to be on not seeing this conflict expand any further,” Luxon said.
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“We got threats from the president over the weekend. Any of those actions including bombing bridges and reservoirs and civilian infrastructure would be unacceptable as well,” Luxon added.
New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters’ message to US secretary of state Marco Rubio at a meeting in Washington, scheduled this week, would be to de-escalate the conflict, Luxon said.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 April 2026 05:10
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Watch: Trump claims Iranians ‘want to hear bombs’ go off as ‘they want to be free’ in bizarre new rant
US President Donald Trump has claimed Iranians “want to hear bombs” go off as “they want to be free” in a bizarre new rant.
Trump claims Iranians ‘want to hear bombs go off as they want to be free’ in bizarre new rant
Trump said Iran has killed 45,000 of its own people who protested against the government. That number has not been verified.
Rachel Dobkin7 April 2026 05:00
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Iran drone strike kills two in Iraq
Two people were killed in the Kurdish region of Iraq after a home was hit by a drone that authorities said had been launched from Iran.
The drone hit the home in the village of Zargazawi in Irbil province early this morning, the Counter Terrorism Directorate of the northern Kurdish region said in a statement. Officials condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law.
The strike came as Iranian forces and allied militias targeted areas across northern Kurdistan with a wave of drones, rockets and missiles.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 April 2026 04:45
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Fire erupts at Saudi Arabia’s industrial hub after drone strike
Fire erupted at Saudi Arabia’s Al Jubail industrial city after it was struck by Iranian missiles and drones, according to reports.
Ballistic missiles struck Al Jubail’s eastern province, triggering large fires at petrochemical facilities, according to visuals shared by the Fars news agency, which has ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 April 2026 04:30
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People walk among buildings destroyed in a joint attack by Israel and the UN in Tehran
A woman walks past buildings destroyed in a joint attack by Israel and the US on April 6, 2026, in Tehran, Iran (Getty Images)
People walk among buildings destroyed in a joint attack by Israel and the United States on April 6, 2026, in Tehran, Iran (Getty Images)
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 April 2026 04:20
Oil at $110 per barrel
Global stocks wavered this morning, while oil prices were perched near $110 per barrel as the prospect of escalation in the war in the Middle East and the looming deadline for a deal to be reached kept nervous investors on the sidelines.
Brent crude futures rose 0.4 per cent to $110.19 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 0.8 per cent to $113.31.
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Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 April 2026 04:15
Israel airstrike destroys synagogue in Tehran
Israeli airstrikes have flattened a synagogue in central Tehran, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported this morning.
Iran has been home to Jewish people for thousands of years. Up to 15,000 Jews still live in Iran, mostly concentrated in Tehran with smaller communities in Isfahan and Shiraz, according to Times of Israel.
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Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 April 2026 04:00
Filipino woman killed in missile attack in Israel
The Philippine government said a Filipino national was killed in a missile attack in the northern Israeli port city of Haifa over the weekend.
The foreign ministry in Manila did not immediately identify the citizen but said she was killed with her Israeli husband and parents-in-law in a residential area in Haifa on Sunday.
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On 28 February, a Filipino caregiver, Mary Ann de Vera, was killed in a missile strike in Tel Aviv while helping bring her charge to a bomb shelter in the first known Philippine casualty of the war in the Middle East. About 30,000 Filipinos live in Israel and work mostly as caregivers.
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar7 April 2026 04:00
UN to vote on Bahrain’s proposal to protect ships in Strait of Hormuz
The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Bahrain’s draft resolution to protect commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Iran has effectively closed the Middle Eastern waterway that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil as the US and Israel continue strikes against the country.
A version of the resolution that Reuters obtained and reported on early Tuesday morning, “strongly encourages States interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz”.
Securing the strait would include escorting commercial ships through the waterway, according to the proposal.
Rachel Dobkin7 April 2026 03:45
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How US commandos carried out 36-hour mission to rescue airman from deep inside Iranian mountains
US special forces carried out a daring rescue mission to bring back an airman stranded 200 miles behind enemy lines after Iran shot down a $31m fighter jet on Friday.
Donald Trump said on Sunday that dozens of military aircraft had raced to rescue the missing weapons-system officer of a two-seat F-15E after the pilot ejected and was rescued under fire.
The president said that the injured second airman was stuck “in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour”.
The Towie star is taking part in the second All Stars version of the Ant and Dec ITV programme
I’m A Celebrity South Africa’s Gemma Collins has said that ‘it’s redemption’ as she returns to the jungle looking to do better on the ITV reality show than last time out.
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The All Stars version of the ITV series kicked off on Monday night (April 6), with a host of former campmates taking on creepy crawlies once again. Ant and Dec are guiding them through even more challenges in another country.
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Gemma, who famously quit I’m A Celebrity after 72 hours in 2014, will be seen in the pre-recorded series alongside the likes of Olympian Sir Mo Farah, former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, champion boxer David Haye and Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas.
Also taking part is football manager Harry Redknapp, Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, comedian Seann Walsh, pop star Sinitta, Red Dwarf star Craig Charles and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard.
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Revealed as the first late entrants alongside Craig, Gemma has revealed that she’s determined for viewers to see a different side of her. Additionally, she’s confident she won’t quit.
“Going on All Stars is a real moment for me in my career – it’s redemption. To be able to do this again is the greatest honour ever. I am going to be the best campmate and get those stars. None of us will be starving under my watch,” she told ITV>
Gemma continued: “My soul told me it was right for me. I’ve never been to South Africa before. I think that is why they made a show on Essex people, because none of us have really left Essex! The fact I am now here is amazing.”
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According to Gemma, she will be walking into the South African jungle as ‘Gemma Collins’ and not ‘The GC’. This is an attempt to move away from the preconceived image some may have of her.
She explained: “I am dreading the whole lot. I don’t think anyone goes into the jungle going ‘woohoo’. It’s not normal to be faced with animals, but I am going in as Gemma Collins. Gemma Collins is a self-made woman.
“I have been to hell and back to get to where I am today. I am just looking forward to proving to people I can do it… There is no way I am going to be leaving after 72 hours.
“I am in it to win it. I am going through to the end. Last time, there were no highlights for me. But I wasn’t the strong, assertive woman I am today and I’ve got a totally different mindset.”
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Gemma went on to admit that her quitting that while the series left a ‘shadow hanging over her’, she is determined to use All Stars as a ‘real redemption moment’.
However, she did note that it’s been embarrassing having to bump into Ant and Dec at ITV parties, knowing she quit so early on the first time around.
“I am so excited to see Ant & Dec again. It has been embarrassing whenever I have been to ITV parties knowing their first thought might be, ‘oh no, there is that girl who left the jungle’. They are fabulous. I want to show them what I am made of and get that new-found respect,” she said.
UN to vote on Bahrain’s proposal to protect ships in Strait of Hormuz
The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Bahrain’s draft resolution to protect commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has effectively closed the Middle Eastern waterway that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil as the US and Israel continue strikes against the country.
A version of the resolution that Reuters obtained and reported on early Tuesday morning, “strongly encourages States interested in the use of commercial maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate efforts, defensive in nature, commensurate to the circumstances, to contribute to ensuring the safety and security of navigation across the Strait of Hormuz”.
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Securing the strait would include escorting commercial ships through the waterway, according to the proposal.
Rachel Dobkin7 April 2026 03:45
How US commandos carried out 36-hour mission to rescue airman from deep inside Iranian mountains
US special forces carried out a daring rescue mission to bring back an airman stranded 200 miles behind enemy lines after Iran shot down a $31m fighter jet on Friday.
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Donald Trump said on Sunday that dozens of military aircraft had raced to rescue the missing weapons-system officer of a two-seat F-15E after the pilot ejected and was rescued under fire.
The president said that the injured second airman was stuck “in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour”.
Tara Cobham7 April 2026 03:30
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Prediction market says there’s 100% chance US forces enter Iran by end of month
People on Polymarket, which describes itself as the world’s largest prediction market, have bet there’s a 100 per cent chance US forces enter Iran by the end of the month.
The US military campaign against Iran is in its sixth week with no end in sight. There have already been thousands of US troops deployed to the region.
US President Donald Trump has ramped up his threats against the Middle Eastern country, saying that Iran “can be taken out in one night” if they don’t reach a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil waterway, by Tuesday night, Washington time.
Rachel Dobkin7 April 2026 03:00
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Watch: Trump compares Starmer to Neville Chamberlain in latest shot at UK
Trump compares Starmer to Neville Chamberlain in latest shot at UK
Tara Cobham7 April 2026 02:30
Two killed in Iranian strike in Iraq: report
Two people have been killed in Iraq’s Irbil province after a home was struck by a drone, the Associated Press reported.
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Authorities said Iran was behind the attack, per the AP.
Rachel Dobkin7 April 2026 02:00
CENTCOM says it has struck over 13,000 targets in Iran war
US Central Command has said it has struck more than 13,000 targets since the Iran war began more than five weeks ago.
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More than 155 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed in the military campaign dubbed “Operation Epic Fury”.
The US has been attacking Iranian command and control centers, ballistic missile sites and weapons production and storage bunkers, to name a few targets.
Rachel Dobkin7 April 2026 01:30
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Hegseth draws parallels between story of Easter and rescued airman
The US defence secretary, who has frequently infused his leadership of the Pentagon with references to Christianity and the language of his faith, said the airman who evaded capture for more than a day was shot down on Good Friday, “hidden in a cave” on Saturday, and on Easter Sunday, “a pilot reborn, all home and accounted for.”
Pete Hegseth said that when the airman was finally able to activate an emergency transponder, his first transmitted message was: “God is good.”
Hegseth praised Trump for approving the quick rescue operation of a US airman in Iran (AFP via Getty Images)
Tara Cobham7 April 2026 01:00
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At least 49 civilians killed and dozens more injured in last 24 hours of Iran war: report
HRANA recorded at least 573 attacks in 20 Iranian provinces in the last 24 hours as of Monday night.
Along with the nearly 50 civilians who are now dead, another 58 were wounded, according to HRANA, which said the latest wave of strikes from the U.S. and Israel marks the highest rate of attacks in the past ten days.
Rachel Dobkin7 April 2026 00:30
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Watch: US airman’s ‘powerful’ first words after being shot down in Iran revealed
US airman’s ‘powerful’ first words after being shot down in Iran revealed
Tara Cobham7 April 2026 00:00
Trump says it would take 4 hours to destroy Iran’s bridges and power plants
The president described the consequences that Iran would face if it didn’t reach a deal with the US by Trump’s 8pm Tuesday deadline.
“We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o’clock tomorrow night,” Trump said during his Monday news conference.
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Power plants in Iran, he continued, would be “burning, exploding and never to be used again.”
The show legend, as viewers know, has been subjected to months of coercive controlling behaviour and violence from partner Theo Silverton (James Cartwright).
Todd has spent months mourning the loss of his beloved Billy, much to the chagrin of vile and jealous Theo. But what he doesn’t know is that Theo, who repeatedly made him feel like Billy’s death was his fault, is actually the one who ended the vicar’s life when he left him trapped in the blaze.
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And while Todd was at his lowest ebb, Theo continued to bully and manipulate him, with the abuse extending to his finances as well, with Todd left with no money to live on and often forced to go without food.
When it got too much, he stood up to Theo, telling him to ‘put him out of his misery’, which resulted in a temporary separation for the couple. But jealous Theo struggled to control his rage when he saw Todd moving on and thus orchestrated a last-minute wedding, giving his ex little chance to think, pressuring him into saying yes.
But the situation escalates next week, with some pretty shocking scenes on the cards. Having been tipped off by Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) that Billy’s demise was no accident, Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) does some digging and, after a conversation with Theo, she suspects that he might’ve had a hand in her stepdad’s death.
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And, horrified to learn Todd is moving with the killer to Belfast, the race against time is on for Summer, who soon shares her theory about Billy’s grisly end with her third dad, who is left reeling.
Todd has been subjected to horrific abuse from Theo (Picture: ITV)
In a bid to stop the move, Summer joins forces with Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien), who notifies George of Todd’s imminent departure and thus they form a plan. But their efforts are foiled by Theo, who claims via the ring doorbell that he and Todd have already left.
Todd, meanwhile, begs Theo to unlock the bedroom door and let him back up the story to Sarah, which will prove that he can be trusted. Todd successfully convinces Sarah that what Theo said was the truth. Theo claims he’s going for a shower while Todd finishes the rest of the packing but once the abuser is out of sight, Todd instead resolves to make a bid for freedom.
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Does he make it out of the flat?
Yes but not before another incident occurs, with pictures confirming that Todd has fresh injuries.
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Sarah digs for information (Picture: ITV)
Subsequent scenes will see him bravely stand up to Theo, in a special episode devoted entirely to the storyline. Later, he heads to the police station to report the abuser as Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) and Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) listen.
Theo, meanwhile, knows the walls are closing in and thus prepares to leavebut as word of his controlling and violent nature spread across Weatherfield, will he manage to make it out? Or will justice be served?
That remains to be seen but with video evidence needed to strengthen Todd’s case, Sarah decides to rummage through Theo’s holdall in the back of his van in search of his tablet. Will she find what she needs?
Later, George accompanies Todd back to the flat but when the doorbell rings he’s left terrified and, with tears in his eyes, he makes a beeline for the exit.
Summer, meanwhile, goes in for a hug but Todd winces, leaving her devastated as she comes to realise just how fragile he is after what Theo put him through.
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Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX and YouTube.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
President Donald Trump has claimed the leader of North Korea used a derogatory term to describe former President Joe Biden’s mental fitness — which Trump himself has spent years mocking.
During a lengthy White House press conference Monday, Trump griped that numerous allied nations, including South Korea, have failed to assist the U.S. in its war against Iran.
“We have 45,000 soldiers in South Korea to protect us from Kim Jong Un, who I get along with very well as you know,” the president told reporters.
“He said very nice things about me,” Trump said of the North Korean autocrat. “He used to call Joe Biden a mentally r******* person…Joe Biden, he said he’s a mentally r******* person. He was so nasty to Joe Biden it was terrible. But to me he likes Trump.”
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Kim, who became the country’s supreme leader in 2011, and other senior North Korean officials have spent years lobbing insults at U.S. politicians during years of tensions.
President Donald Trump claimed that Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, referred to former President Joe Biden using a derogatory term (AFP via Getty Images)
In 2014, the country’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Ri Tong Il, referred to the U.S. as “a mentally r******* patient.”
In 2023, the supreme leader’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, lashed out at Biden over his warning that North Korean nuclear aggression would bring about the end of its regime. She described the former president as senile, but warned that her brother’s government would not dismiss Biden’s words as a “nonsensical remark from the person in his dotage.”
Even though Trump touted his warm relationship with Kim, he was not spared the North Korean leader’s scathing criticism. During Trump’s first term in office, the autocrat derided him as a “dotard,” a “frightened dog” and a “gangster fond of playing with fire.”
Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with Kim in 2018. He met with him on two other occasions, while also boasting of “love letters” he received from the North Korean leader.
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However, their talks about denuclearizing the Korean peninsula proved unsuccessful, and the country has conducted multiple missile tests in recent years. The latest test took place in late March, as the country attempts to create an arsenal capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, state media reported.
Despite this, Trump told reporters: “You notice how nice things are with North Korea. It’s very nice.”
Trump met with Kim Jong Un three times during his first term but their diplomatic talks proved unsuccessful. North Korea has conducted a number of missile tests in recent years (AFP via Getty Images)
Trump’s new comments on Biden are just the latest in a long string of personal attacks on the 83-year-old former president’s mental health. Trump, 79, has accused Biden of suffering from “serious cognitive decline.” During a presidential debate in 2024, he claimed Biden “doesn’t even know what he’s saying.”
Biden withdrew from the White House race in July 2024 amid mounting concerns about his physical and mental health.
At the same time, Trump has routinely trumpeted his own mental prowess, claiming during a March Cabinet meeting that he’s the only president to have taken a cognitive exam.
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“But I aced it. I got them all right,” Trump claimed.
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