FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A man who fled to China and his sister have been charged after an explosive device was left outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa this month. Their mother was detained for deportation, having overstayed her visa, a federal prosecutor said Thursday.

Alen Zheng, 20, and Ann Mary Zheng, 27, were charged Wednesday in separate federal indictments. The sister was arrested upon her return from China, where she flew with her brother after the threat. Both have U.S. citizenship, U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe said during a news conference.

“If you threaten to harm somebody or if you harm somebody in the Middle District of Florida, you will be brought to task,” Kehoe said.

Alen Zheng faces 40 years in prison if convicted of attempting to damage government property and unlawfully making and possessing the explosive device found in a package outside the base. Ann Mary Zheng faces 30 years if found guilty of witness tampering and being an accessory after the fact to the crime, by allegedly selling the car he used to drop off the package.

A defense attorney for Ann Mary Zheng declined to comment. Online court records didn’t list an attorney for Alen Zheng.

Kehoe said the investigation developed very quickly after a suspicious package was found outside MacDill on March 16. Agents determined that Alen Zheng actually planted the device on March 10 before making a 911 call to inform authorities about the bomb. Air Force personnel had searched the base without discovering the device initially.

The day after the 911 call, the Zhengs sold their Mercedes-Benz SUV and flew to China. Ann Mary returned to the U.S. several days later. By then, investigators had used phone data to connect the 911 call to Alen Zheng, and spotted the SUV on surveillance video. By the time they reached CarMax, the car had been vacuumed and cleaned, but they were still able to find evidence including residue from the explosive, Kehoe said.

When agents executed a warrant at the family’s home, they reported finding explosive device components. Meanwhile, the device was flown by helicopter to an FBI lab in Huntsville, Alabama, for further examination, FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor said.

Kehoe said he’s not sure if the siblings also have Chinese citizenship. He said they have no immediate evidence that Alen Zheng was working on behalf of the Chinese government or any other country. Officials are working to have him returned to the U.S. to face prosecution, he said.

The U.S. Central Command is located at MacDill and is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia. MacDill is one of the U.S. bases that has been on heightened alert since the war in Iran began.

Another man was arrested earlier this week on charges of making threatening phone calls to the base days after the device was discovered, though investigators haven’t accused that caller of planting any devices. There was no immediate connection between that caller and the Zhengs.

Sky Sports F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham is returning to screens after surgery and here we look at her life away from the spotlight

Natalie Pinkham has been a prominent figure in Sky Sports’ Formula 1 coverage for more than a decade, progressing from pit lane reporting to lead presenting roles.

However, the 48-year-old has been absent from television in recent months after being compelled to step back from her presenting duties when doctors warned of possible permanent nerve damage from a disc compressing her spinal cord.

She had major surgery and has recently announced she will be resuming work in time for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka from March 27 to 29. Posting on Instagram, she revealed: “Hi friends. So, it has been a long, and if I’m completely honest, quite difficult five months of rehab since my neck surgery.

“But I’m really happy to say that I have been given the all clear to do long hauls again. My first [race] that I will be presenting for Sky F1 this year is Japan. And I am really happy about that because I bloody love Suzuka, so very excited to see you then,” reports the Mirror.

As she gears up for her F1 comeback, we look at her family circumstances, friendship with late television presenter Caroline Flack and connections to royalty.

READ MORE: Channel 5 announces return of hit cosy crime drama but confirms main star’s exitREAD MORE: Gavin and Stacey’s Rob Brydon leads cast in BBC’s ‘brilliantly funny’ six-part sitcom

Family life

Born in Buckinghamshire to a barrister mother and property developer father, Natalie isn’t the only well-known figure in her family. Her older brother Sam has previously presented the breakfast programme for Virgin Radio and is a host for Channel 5‘s Holiday Homes In The Sun, whilst also providing cover for Radio 2.

Natalie is married to businessman Owain Walbyoff. The couple became engaged in November 2010 and tied the knot two years later. In January 2015, Natalie welcomed their first child, a son named Wilf, with daughter Willow following in June 2016. Former Australian Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo serves as godfather to Wilf.

She previously spoke candidly to Fabulous magazine about going back to work prematurely following Willow’s arrival. She revealed how she was a “complete mess” and “couldn’t even remember my own name” when she returned to television.

She said: “A lot of make-up was required and I literally just sat there and read an autocue. It was too soon actually. I think we put ourselves under ridiculous pressure.”

Caroline Flack vow

Natalie shared a close friendship with former Love Island presenter Caroline Flack, who tragically took her own life in February 2020 aged 40.

Natalie revealed in a previous interview with the Mirror that she continues to feel the late TV presenter’s presence and approaches life with the motto: “What would Flacky do?” She expressed that it was “important to keep talking about her and to keep her memory alive”. She further stated: “Do I feel her around me? Yeah. I think so. We (Caroline’s friends) have this mantra when we wonder what to do, we say, ‘What would Flacky do?’ And I like to do the same. We all hope and believe that ­Caroline’s spirit runs through the centre of everything we do.”

Natalie and Caroline initially became acquainted whilst working on the European Poker Tour in 2005. After Caroline’s passing, Natalie and author and television presenter Dawn O’Porter established Flackstock, an annual one-day music festival in her honour to raise funds for mental health charities.

Natalie commented: “A lot of people who didn’t know her, when we talk about how much she laughed and that she loved life, can’t therefore understand why she ended up taking her own life, and I think that’s something that will probably confuse and pain us for the rest of our days.”

Royal pals

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In addition to being friends with some of F1’s biggest stars, Natalie also has royal connections and is frequently seen at events with the King’s niece Zara Tindall, including the recent Cheltenham Festival.

The two have been part of the same social group for years and in a previous interview, Natalie praised her friend Zara for being an exceptional mother to her three children.

She remarked: “She’s the most hands-on mother I know. She’s unbelievable, she’s so present for her kids.”

Sky Sports hosts coverage of Formula 1 every race weekend

The Greater Cambridge Partnership has submitted plans to build the Comberton Greenway, which will connect the village to central Cambridge via England’s first cycle street

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CambridgeshireLive readers have heard that plans have been submitted to build England’s first cycle street in Cambridge as part of the Comberton Greenway. The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) has lodged a planning application to develop the route.

The GCP says the application marks a major milestone for the greenway. Project manager Jonathan Camp said the progress wouldn’t have been possible without local landowners and farmers, and that the final design reflects community input. Surfacing materials were chosen to keep a rural feel, and crossing points for tractors were included as requested.

Early work has already started on some sections, including Adams Road, which will be England’s first Cycle Street. Once finished, the greenway will run from Comberton into central Cambridge.

Planning consent is still needed for certain sections, though work is already underway on key areas. In Comberton, there will be new and improved crossings and lower speed limits. In Coton, street lighting, road surfacing, junctions, and traffic calming measures will be upgraded.

The route starts in Comberton, moves north along Long Road towards Coton, crosses the M11 bridge, goes through Cambridge University’s West Campus, and follows Adams Road, Grange Road, and Sidgwick Avenue before reaching Silver Street.

Commenter Calumen Nomen says: “As a local resident, I can assure Mr Camp that no one in the community wanted any part of this huge waste of time and money. I invite him to reconsider his position. If he won’t, I have a question: the GCP must know how many people currently cycle this route. If there isn’t a clear and sustained increase in a year, will he and his colleagues publicly apologise for the inconvenience and wasted public funds?”

Campete2 said: “It’s hardly a ‘huge amount’ compared to the billions thrown away on road schemes that make congestion worse, a tiny pittance has been set aside to actually make things better.”

Puppypower thinks: “It could all be very interesting to use but for the very unsafe part going over the M11, it’s very uneven and only just wide enough for one cycle so until you widen it it is next to useless.”

John037 complains: “An activity which generally creates little revenue for the city, is going to have an unspecified sum spent on it in order to make life more difficult for those who work, but do not live in the city and possibly not the county.”

Freddly believes: “Projects like this need to take space from car and van drivers who do not cover the real cost of using it. Traffic congestion costs the UK economy billions each year and that is money car and van users are effectively taking from households without a vehicle. Councillors cannot keep pandering to drivers while leaving pedestrians and cyclists to fight over scraps of space.”

Whynot2 retorts: “I can’t understand how you figure that car and van drivers are taking from households without cars. And you completely left lorries out of the equation!”

Campete2 points out: “The reality is that motorists are heavily subsidised, so people without cars end up paying for those who do. Meanwhile, billions are spent on road schemes that often make congestion worse, a far higher sum than what goes to active travel. Motorists benefit most from active travel projects because they help reduce congestion. Low Traffic Neighbourhoods really help ease congestion on nearby roads. Putting money into active travel gives way more bang for the buck than road schemes, which can actually hurt the economy. If we want people to be healthier and the economy to do better, active travel is the way to go.”

Sany P asks: “Why not fix all the potholes on Cambridge roads first? That would make things safer for both drivers and cyclists. The potholes have been there for ages and should be the priority. Building new roads instead of maintaining existing ones is a pointless waste of time, money, and safety. Cambridge City Council has really perfected that approach in recent years.”

Catherine S agrees: “This is a crazy idea. The obvious way into Cambridge from Comberton is through Barton, which already has a designated cycle route that’s recently been improved. Going via Long Road and Madingley Road is a roundabout route. It’s a total waste of money and would destroy land, especially on Long Road. They should be fixing the potholes instead, I had to dodge them just yesterday on my way home. A rethink is definitely needed.”

Do you think the Comberton Greenway will actually make cycling into Cambridge easier, or is it just going to be another expensive project causing disruption? Have your say in our comments section.

One of the trio, Lee Kinnell, earlier did a ‘recce’, knocking at the door of the earmarked property and telling the occupants he was selling sunglasses.

But his true intentions were later revealed as he returned to the address overnight with associates Craig Rogers and Lee Justice.

The trio, wearing balaclavas and armed with an “ice-pick” hammer and machete, broke their way in through a patio door.

Once inside, they threatened a woman present and her dementia-suffering husband, laughing at him and threatening to behead their family dog.

Following a terrifying seven-minute ordeal, the intruders made off with a haul of clothes, jewellery, money and other sentimental items from the house, leaving the victims “traumatised”.

The trio was arrested and later charged with aggravated burglary.

While Justice, 53, and 44-year-old Kinnell pleaded guilty to the offence, Rogers, 46, denied it. He was convicted by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court in February.

All three appeared back before the same court earlier this month and were all handed prison sentences.

Craig Stephen Rogers, starting 15-year extended sentence (Image: Northumbria Police)

Rogers was also sentenced for an unrelated offence of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, while Justice was also dealt with for unrelated offences of aggravated burglary, violent disorder, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Lee Justice, given a seven-year prison sentence (Image: Northumbria Police)

Justice, of York Terrace, Felling, Gateshead, received a total seven-year prison sentence, while Kinnell, of Budleigh Road, Kenton, Newcastle, was jailed for six years.

Lee Kinnell, who did a ‘recce’ at the targeted property, jailed for six years (Image: Northumbria Police)

Rogers, of Eastgarth, Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle, received a total 15 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by a further four years on extended licence

In a statement read at the hearing on her behalf, the victim who survived the attack spoke of the lasting impact of the incident.

She said: “Despite it being around two and a half years ago, I still have regular, terrifying flashbacks to the machetes and the masked men who smashed into my home.”

The court heard how she has struggled to sleep since it happened, due to “nightmares and paranoia at every noise”, she hears at night.

She also said her husband is in “bad health”, having suffered heart issues since the burglary, as well as having dementia.

Since the incident he has suffered “a downturn in his overall health”, and regularly discusses “lasting feelings of distress”, as a result.

The victim spoke about feeling “torn” as to whether to move away or stay at her home since the ordeal.

She said: “It felt like our safe place had been ruined by selfish, greedy people who have no care or thought for us in that moment.

“This whole incident has left us both traumatised, when we only look to live a quiet life.”

 Speaking following the outcome of the case, Detective Sergeant Sarah-Jayne Colquhoun, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a shocking and pre-planned attack on an elderly couple who were subjected to threats and violence by Justice, Kinnell and Rogers.

“What’s worse is that Kinnell had scoped out their home earlier in the day, posing as a shameless bogus salesman, before returning later that night.

“Thanks to collaborative efforts between CID, forensics and the Roads Policing Unit, we were quickly able to link the trio to our investigation and put them before the courts.

“Owing to the extensive evidence gathered, including stolen items recovered and DNA found, they were later all convicted of this horrendous crime.

“While no result will ever take away the fear and trauma that has been inflicted on this couple, I do hope they find some comfort in the fact the offenders will be behind bars for a lengthy spell.

“Violence is never acceptable in our communities, and we’ll do all we can to identify perpetrators to make them pay for their actions.”

Available for over a year

Should voters be required to prove they are US citizens and show photo ID before being allowed to cast their ballots?

Donald Trump is pushing for these changes and more in the SAVE (Save America Act) telling Republican lawmakers he’s “not going to sign anything until this is approved.”

In this episode, Justin and Anthony look at the politics of the SAVE act. Would it make voting harder and who would benefit? Also, we explain how the bill is linked with huge delays at US airports, and why Democrats are accused of blocking homeland security funding.

Plus, the Democrats have won a special election in Florida that includes Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach after first-time candidate Emily Gregory defeated Trump-backed Republican Jon Maples in a race for the open Florida District 87 state House seat. Just how worried should Republicans be ahead of the midterm elections?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by George Dabby with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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A new Covid variant spreading across the US has also been identified in the UK, health chiefs have warned.

The strain, known as BA.3.2, has been detected in nasal swabs taken from four American travellers and clinical samples from five patients in four unidentified states.

It has also been found in three aeroplane wastewater samples and 132 other samples taken in more than 20 states, suggesting its reach is far more widespread than what scientists can currently see.

US scientists have also raised concerns that the vaccines currently available may not protect against this variant.

The strain has also been detected in the UK and is currently being monitored, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Dr Nick Machin, consultant virologist at the UKHSA, said: “UKHSA is constantly monitoring all available data relating to emergent variants of SARS-CoV-2 through our surveillance programmes. As part of our routine surveillance, we regularly conduct analysis of the severity and detectability of the virus.

“BA.3.2 has been designated as a ‘variant under monitoring’ by the World Health Organisation and has been detected in the UK.”

The variant descended from Omicron, another variant of Covid, and was first detected in South Africa in 2024. The variant started to surge in September 2025 and has since been reported in 23 countries.

Omicron was first detected in Botswana and spread to the UK in December 2021. The variant caused a concerning rise in cases due to its high transmission rate, which put significant pressure on the NHS.

The new strain is “genetically distinct” from other JN.1 lineages that have previously circulated in the US, researchers warned in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

BA.3.2 carries approximately 70 to 75 genetic changes in its spike protein, a part of a coronavirus that allows it to enter human cells. That means it could be easier for the virus to spread and evade immune protection.

“The 2025–2026 LP.8.1-adapted mRNA Covid-19 vaccine demonstrates protection against currently predominant JN.1 strains but had the lowest antibody neutralisation against BA.3.2 in a laboratory study of seven variants, potentially affecting vaccine-conferred protection,” the researchers said.

Although it is new, there is currently no evidence that this Covid strain causes more severe illness than previous variants of the virus, according to the UKHSA.

“We are currently undertaking an assessment of its impact on diagnostic test performance and will issue further guidance to laboratories as necessary,” Dr Machin added.

“To date, there is no evidence that this variant is more transmissible or causes more severe disease than other recent variants.”

UK scientists do not currently believe the variant is any more of a threat than other strains.

“We can expect constant evolution to facilitate transmission but unless there is a rise in hospital cases there is no reason to suppose any new variant is more ‘dangerous’,” Professor Ian Jones, virologist at Reading University, told The Independent.

He explained the decision to update a vaccine due to mutations will likely be “more a commercial than a scientific decision”.

“If a company feels its vaccine is losing take-up because of a lack of efficacy, they will update it, but until that time, they will not respond to every change that comes along,” he explained.

Prof Jones stressed the population does have immunity against Covid now and the vaccine keeps the disease “in check”, even if it is not protecting against all strains.

He said: “I think we can take some reassurance from the fact that the monitoring systems have picked it up early, but that it is probably ‘just another variant’ that should be noted, but no more for now.”

Professor Paul Hunter, epidemiologist at University of East Anglia said he is “doubtful” Covid will “ever die out” and is not surprised by the new variant.

“We will continue to see new variants of the virus as long as humans still inhabit the planet,” he told The Independent.

“The issue is whether the new variant poses a significant increased risk to public health. It is likely that any new variant that is able to out-compete the other variants will increase infection rates but that does not mean that this will necessarily lead to substantial additional burden of disease,” he added.

The landlord has stripped the building back to a vacant shell

A building which was once a Poundstretcher shop in a Cambridgeshire town could be converted into a Pilates studio. A planning application has been submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council to convert Unit C on 3 Terbbutts Road in St Neots into a Pilates studio.

The building, which was once used for the major UK-based discount retailer, has been stripped back by the landlord to a vacant shell. The proposals include installing external signage and relocating the entrance to get the building ready for its new use. The floor plans show that the building would include a reception area, drinks fridge, and Pilates beds.

The site is located within the St Neots Conservation Area and lies near the Grade II listed United Reformed Church. The applicant plans to keep the scale, proportions and design of the front of the building unchanged to ensure minimal impact to the setting of the Grade II listed property.

In a heritage statement, the applicant said: “Overall, the proposal does not diminish the significance of the heritage assets and preserves the character of the streetscape.

“The proposed works are minor and designed to preserve the character and appearance of the St Neots Conservation Area and the setting of the nearby Grade II listed United Reformed Church. By reusing existing materials and openings, the development ensures the historic significance of the site and its context remains.”

Criticising the US war against Iran, he told Times Radio: “When I’ve been to every staff college in the military, in my career chain, they taught me three things. One, you must have a legal mandate before you put people in harm’s way. The second is you must have a plan. And the third, you must think to the end.

CHARLOTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A professional cornhole player who’s also a quadruple amputee waived his right to an extradition hearing on Thursday, as authorities seek to move him from Virginia to Maryland, where he faces charges of fatally shooting a passenger in the front seat of a car he was driving during an argument.

Dayton James Webber, who is in police custody, took part in a court hearing in Charlottesville, Virginia, through a video call, wearing a bright green jumpsuit.

Alexander Goodman, Webber’s attorney, declined to comment. It’s unclear when Webber will return to Maryland.

“I am trying to go back to Maryland,” said Webber, who was calm during the short hearing.

Webber was arrested and charged as a fugitive from justice by police in Albemarle County, where police arrested him after the shooting in Charles County, Maryland, on Sunday night.

Webber, 27, was featured by ESPN in 2023 in a story of inspiration, noting he rode dirt bikes, wrestled and played football before becoming a professional cornhole player. In the same year, he wrote an essay for the Today show about how he became a professional competitor.

Webber allegedly shot Bradrick Michael Wells, 27, of Waldorf, after a heated argument, according to police charging documents.

Maryland police say Webber pulled over after the shooting in La Plata, Maryland, and asked two passengers in the back of the car to help pull the victim out, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office said. The witnesses refused, got out of the car and flagged down police officers.

Webber fled with the victim still in the car, the sheriff’s office said. Two hours later, a resident in Charlotte Hall, about a 10-mile (16-kilometer) drive away, reported a body in a yard. Officers found the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene.